Tholpaavakoothu (leather puppet show) is an art form performed in connection with the rituals in the temples in Kerala. This form of art is on the verge of extinction. This is a type of shadow puppetry. The most famous of the contemporary shadow puppetry artists, also known as puppeteers, is K K Ramachandra Pulavar who is a native of Koonathara, Palakkad. Received several awards including the Folklore Academy Award. The figures used in puppetry are generally made of deer skin. However, nowadays, the material used is goat hide. The theme of the performance is mostly based on history or mythology. Currently, society-based stories are also taken as the subjects for performing tholpavakoothu. Below are some of the viedo of K K Ramachandra Pulavar during his shadow puppet performance at his house.
Tholpavakoothu – Video
