Kurichiyas

The Kurichiyas are a matrilineal tribe of Kerala, India.

Traditionally, members of this tribe have lived in relative isolation in the Wayanad Hills. The Kurichiyas are divided into matrilineal clans known as "kulam".

The Kurichiyas worship some of the same deities as other Hindus in Kerala, such as "Kuttichattan" and "Vettakkaran", and "Kali" (also called "Mariamma"). The Kurichiyas worship their deceased ancetors, called "Nizhal" ("shadows") as well as a number of deities unique to their tribe. Also they worship four Great Mother-Goddesses who dwell in Heaven:
* The culture-bringer Malakkari ("Kari of the hills")
* The firerce Mother-Goddess Karimpili ("the dark one from the hills")

References

A. Aiappan and K. Mahadevan: Ecology, Economy, Matriliny, and Fertility of Kurichiyas. Delhi: B. R. Publishing Corporation 1990.