Bommalattam is a type ofpuppetry using inanimate objects fromTamil Nadu. While the origin of the art is uncertain, it has existed as an art form for years. It uses variousdoll marionettes, manipulated by rods and strings by puppeteers behind a screen, lighted by traditional lamps. It is usually accompanied by music and story telling.
Bommalattam is a type ofpuppetry using inanimate objects, that originated in the region.[1] While the origin of the art is uncertain, it has existed as an art form for years.[2]
It uses variousdoll marionettes which are 1–3 ft (0.30–0.91 m) tall and may weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb).[3][4] The puppets are manipulated by rods and strings attached to the heads, back, arms and legs.[2] The puppets are made of light weightwood and are dressed in craftedcostumes bulked up bypaper stuffings to give a more rounded appearance.[2] The puppets are carefully crafted with prominent jewellery so that the edges are visible in the shadows.[2] Puppeteers stand overhead in an area 4 ft (1.2 m) high and 11 ft (3.4 m) wide.[2]
The puppet staging area is created by stretching a black cloth over a bench and the puppets are operated behind a white screen illuminated by alantern oroil lamps.[2] The audience are seated in front of the screen with the screen literally separating the performers and audience, who are able to view the shadows of the puppets which are operated by the puppeteers.[1] The puppeteers wearbells which are sounded along with the movements with background music played by traditional instruments such ascymbals,harmonium andmridangam.[2]
The puppeteer operate the puppets by holding a ring or rod with strings attached and using movements from hands and arms to control the devices such as the rods and strings.[2][3] The puppeteer might engage in narration of the stories while dancing the puppets.[2] The puppeteers may engage in actions corresponding to the music and might sometimes follow the dance patterns of classicalBharatanatyam.[3]
The themes are drawn from various Hindu scriptures such as thePuranas andepics and/with localfolklore.[2] The puppet shows are held during festivals and fairs, commonly in villages. The puppet shows are also part of rituals conducted to ward of evil forces, preventepidemics and enddroughts by invoking rain.[2] Bommalattam is usually followed as a family tradition with all members of the family engaged in making the puppets, maintaining them and performing.[1]Pava Koothu is a variation of puppetry which uses handheld glove puppets.[3]
There have been multiple films of the name:[5][6]