This paper delves into the socio-historical dynamics of Teyyam cults in correlation with the maritime history of Kolattunāṭu region. Teyyam, deeply entrenched in the tribal culture of Kolattunāṭu, a region spanning between the Perumba and Vaḷapaṭṭaṇam rivers, the Western Ghats, and the Arabian Sea, encompasses various liturgical practices such as mother goddess worship, serpent worship, and canoe cults. The transient nature inherent in Teyyam worship and its ritual spaces signifies the ‘transmigration’ of its deities, particularly evident in the littoral shrines dotting the coastal belt of Kolattunāṭu. These ‘canoe cults,’ believed to have journeyed to the region via sea canoes, intertwine the coastal landscape and maritime symbols with their liturgy, notably reflected in their canoe songs, locally known as Marakkalap̅āṭṭu, which recount the deities’ sea voyages. The theoretical framework of this investigation draws upon Carl Sauer’s conception of landscape as a nexus between human activity and the natural environment, emphasizing the role of intangible cultural elements in shaping cultural landscapes. The western coast of India, marked by a rich tapestry of cross-cultural interactions due to successive waves of foreign influences, served as a hub for global trade. The region’s navigable rivers facilitated trade networks connecting maritime and inland markets, gradually shaping its cultural and sacred landscapes. Through mapping the spatial trajectories of divine journeys, this paper aims to knit enduring links between canoe cults in Teyyam and the socio-cultural milieu of a specific historical epoch. Employing an exploratory methodology, the research draws on literature reviews and ethnographic surveys among the participants of Teyyam to unravel the intricate narratives embedded in canoe cult ballads. These narratives not only illuminate the region’s geographical features but also offer insights into social structures, economic activities, religious practices, and political dynamics of the era, underscoring their role as repositories of historical, geographical, and anthropological knowledge.
