AalavaTTam
Encyclopedia
Aalavattam is a special decorative circular shield or fan that is held beneath both sides of respectable idols, deities or mythological characters during festivals and dances, especially in the state of Kerala
in South India. The object is paculiar to the state of Kerala in India and the name originates from Malayalam (ml).
The shield is made of finely shaped and cut peacock feathers aligned in a circular fashion around a wooden or fiber plaque with traditionally dictated decorative patterns made of other natural objects such as sea shells etc.
AalavaTTam is an essential element to be held atop the elephants during the pooram
s of South India where caparisoned elephants are marched in an organized and controlled procession as part of the annual local temple festival. Each elephant will have two or three persons atop, one of whom is dedicated to hold a pair of alavattam. During special phases of the accompanying percussion orchestra (Panchavadyam
, Pandi Melam or Panchari), the person shall raise up on the back of elephant and hold the alavattams high up above his shoulders.
A typical use of aalavattam in staged art performance can be seen during special appearance scenes of certain protagonist characters in Kathakali
dance.
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
in South India. The object is paculiar to the state of Kerala in India and the name originates from Malayalam (ml).
The shield is made of finely shaped and cut peacock feathers aligned in a circular fashion around a wooden or fiber plaque with traditionally dictated decorative patterns made of other natural objects such as sea shells etc.
AalavaTTam is an essential element to be held atop the elephants during the pooram
Pooram
Pooram is an annual temple festival held in central Kerala after the summer harvest. Most pooram festivals have at least one ornately decorated elephant being paraded in the procession taken out of the temple precincts...
s of South India where caparisoned elephants are marched in an organized and controlled procession as part of the annual local temple festival. Each elephant will have two or three persons atop, one of whom is dedicated to hold a pair of alavattam. During special phases of the accompanying percussion orchestra (Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam, literally meaning an orchestra of five instruments, is basically a temple art form that has evolved in Kerala. Of the five instruments, four -- timila, maddalam, ilathalam and idakka -- belong to the percussion category, while the fifth one, kombu, is a wind instrument.Much like any...
, Pandi Melam or Panchari), the person shall raise up on the back of elephant and hold the alavattams high up above his shoulders.
A typical use of aalavattam in staged art performance can be seen during special appearance scenes of certain protagonist characters in Kathakali
Kathakali
Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion...
dance.