KEELU KUDURE KUNITA

KEELU KUDURE KUNITA

(Hinged horse dance)

Keelu Kudure Dance (kIlu kudure kuNita) (ಕೀಲುಕುದುರೆ ಕುಣಿತ) is an imitation of the movements of a horse, by men and women with a contraption made to resemble a horse. This art form is popular in all the states of South India. It is called ‘kIlugurram’ in Andhrapradesh. This dance is known as ‘Poikkal Kudirai Atam’ in Tamil. The words literally mean ‘a horse on false legs’. The dancers are attached to a dummy horse at the waist. Instead of four legs of a horse only two legs of a person with a prop on his body are seen. The situation in Karnataka is a little more elaborate. Even the folklore of these states are replete with references to these hinged horses and their adventures.

This dance is performed all over Karnataka. This is known as ‘Poy Kudure’ in Coorg districts. ‘kudure kOla’ and ‘maragAlu kuNita’ are two more dances that come under the same category.

The making of a hinged horse is by itself a folk art. Different parts of the body of this horse are made by different craftsmen. People belonging to the ‘mEda’ who are experts in cane craft and basket weaving construct the chest and hind parts of the horse with thin pared bamboos. The head of the horse along with a hollow neck are made by goldsmiths or painters (chitrgaars) in the village. They are brightly painted with natural colours. They are made of paper pulp. Hinges are attached to its tongue also. Consequently it pops out moves in depending on the movements of the artist. This head and neck contraption is joined to the torso of the horse. The artists who enact the role of the kings and the queen are decked in appropriate royal costumes. They put on artificial crowns and other ornaments to match their costume. A pair of wooden legs, about two feet in height, made of light and strong wood is tied to their legs, with a fine piece of string. The torso of this horse is covered with a multi coloured gown which is spacious enough to make the wooden legs invisible to the onlookers. The artist dons this contraption and the upper part of his body projects above the horse through an aperture made in the back of the torso. He ties the bamboo contraption to his shoulders. He holds the reins of the horse and creates an impression that he is riding the horse. His body sways this way and that way giving rise to corresponding movements in the artificial horse. The tail and the head movements are manipulated very artistically. The dance is performed to the tunes of an orchestra and adds to the festive spirit of annual fairs and weddings.