18th Century Iconography: Rare Bhoota Figurines

Bhoota means ‘spirit’ and kola means ‘play or performance’ in the Tulu language. During the ritual, oracles summon spirits and are temporarily possessed by them, forecasting future happenings or providing solutions and mediation for familial or inter-community disputes.

The Bhootas, also known as daivas, are semi-divine spirits distinct from humans and gods. The stories of Bhootas are often based on historical figures who performed heroic deeds and achieved martyrdom in the past.

The Bhoota performance is called nema, originating from niyama (meaning rules and regulations in Sanskrit). During a Bhoota-Kola, a variety of Bhootas are invoked, and each one has specific associations with particular castes and communities.