The Kaattalan (forest dweller) in Nalacharita is an example of the Aankari character. Seven basic makeup types are used in Kathakali, namely Pachcha (green), Pazhuppu (ripe), Kathi, Kari, Thaadi, Minukku and Teppu. Kari is the name of a make-up in Kathakali. The makeup is very elaborate and the costumes are very large and heavy. The costumes and makeup are especially elaborate, with faces made to look like painted masks and enormous headdresses. Kathakali is traditionally performed by boys and men, even for female roles. Kathakali is the most well known dance drama from the south In­dian state of Kerala. The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become the most re­cog­nised icon for Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Bharatanatyam makeup is done with great precision, ensuring it suits the dance form and also the ambience lighting that highlight the makeup. Pacha portrays noble protagonists, Kathi portrays villainous characters, Kari is used for lady-demons, Vella Thadi (White Beard) is used for super human characters like Hanuman (the Monkey… Female characters are portrayed by men dressed in women's costume. Characters in Kari are further classified into two according to the gender; Aankari (male) and Penkari (female). For the uninitiated, this is a pioneering move, because Kathakali dancers have been historically male. Seven basic make-up types are used with the predominant colours made from rice paste and vegetable colours that are applied on the face. There are several kinds of costumes.within this Kathakali … NB: You should not submit anything else other than addition / correction of page content. High Resolution Image. The colour code for women and monks is yellow. Yes No. Kathakali has a very elaborate make-up. Thus, most artists in this field stick to waterproof and smudge resistant makeup that ensure that dancer … The costume is the most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali. Credits: BCKA Kathakali is a stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes South Indian Kathakali dancers. South Indian cultural performance South Indian Kathakali dancers. Do you wish to add content or help us find mistakes in this web page? Kari - Kathakali Make-up. Mrinalini Sarabhai is reputed to be the first female dancer who popularised Kathakali by performing extensively in India and abroad. Introduction. Like bharatanatyam, kathakali is a religious dance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. A ‘Minukku’ make-up using orange, saffron or yellow colour depicts virtuous and good female characters like Sita and Panchali. It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. Kathakali Female Character Make-up. It draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shaiva traditions.  Costume and Make-Up. It literally means black and is donned by cruel characters. Kathakali Female Character Make-up; Category - Performing Arts in Kerala. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. The make-up can be mostly classified into five types namely Pacha (Green), Kathi (Knife), Kari (Black), Thadi (Beard) and Minukku (Prettying Up). The intense makeup and expressions of the art form on display, as Bheema avenges Draupadi. The makeup follows an accepted code, that helps the audience easily identify the archetypal characters such as gods, goddesses, demons, demonesses, saints, animals and characters of a story. Both male and female artistes partake in the Kathakali show and wear elaborate, billowing costumes with intricately painted faces, flowing scarves, detailed ornaments, and magnificent crowns. 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