Ritualistic landscape of Kalamezhuth Paatt of Kerala

Abstract

Rituals have got a significant role in the life of human beings, whether it is secular or religious. Cultural landscape, combined work of man and nature, has always been a well discussed topic in the past. The two terms ritual and landscape are well defined and common, but when these two terms are connected together to form ritual landscape, it is getting another level of meaning. The term ritual landscape came in existence recently in Britain in late 20th century and the western concept of ritual landscape is mostly associated with archaeology. But in India, the concept is mainly on rituals that was established long time ago and is continuing. Here a ritual is studied in perspective of a conservation architect using a concept which is new to the industry. This project is about the ritualistic landscape, a type of sacred landscape, shaped by Kalamezhuth Paat 1, the powder drawing and ritual art practice of Kerala, a state of India. Background study has been conducted to get an idea about how to document the intangible cultural heritage of the ritual. Literature studies were conducted referring to UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage documents, oral tradition associated with the rituals etc. Various methods adopted to record the ritual include photo, video and audio documentation, interview of experts of the community who perform the ritual. Four case studies have been conducted; intangible aspects of the rituals and tangible aspects of cultural spaces have been documented. Each word in the definition of ICH by UNESCO (practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills including the instruments, objects artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage) has been studied giving emphasis to cultural spaces and the data collected during site survey was translated into maps.Case studies tell that the places where the particular ritual is happening, exhibit some common settings and cultural spaces. The same pattern is repeated in the region and created a landscape, where the major component is the ritual. Even though the ritual has undergone continuous transformation, it’s still significant in the community. Analysis was based on the skill based community. The research conclude by giving recommendations to preserve the ritual of kalamezhuth paatt and the ritualistic landscape.