Theyyam Dance of Kerala

Decoding Mnemonic Configurations

Abstract

Rituals, traditional art forms, and celebrations manifest community identities by preserving collective memories for future generations. Theyyam, a Hindu ritual from Northern Kerala and parts of South Karnataka, serves as a mnemonic strategy embodying regional historicity, mapping social distinctions, and reinforcing identities. Rooted in myth, Theyyam integrates ceremonial communication, formalized performances, and hierarchically structured carriers, aligning with Jan Assmann's Cultural Memory Studies framework. As a living mnemonic text, Theyyam reiterates tales and codes of conduct upheld for millennia, bridging the past and present. It functions as a spiritual conduit to connect with the divine while serving as an academic resource for understanding history. This study examines Theyyam through the lens of Assmann's theories on cultural memory.