Kurichiyas
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A matrilineal tribe of Kerala, India. Traditionally, members of the tribe have lived in relative isolation in the Wayanad hills. The Kurichiyas are divided into matrilineal clans called "kulam".
The Kurichiyas worship some of the same deities as other Hindus in Kerala, such as Kuttichattan and Vettakkaran, and Kali (alo called Mariamma). They also have a number of deities unique to their tribe. They worship four great mother goddesses who dwell in heaven, the culture-bringer Malakkari ("Kari of the hills"), and the firerce mother-goddess Karimpili ("the dark one from the hills")
The Kurichiyas also worship the deceased ancetors, called "nizhal" ("shadow").
References: A. Aiappan and K. Mahadevan: Ecology, Economy, Matriliny, and Fertility of Kurichiyas. Delhi: B. R. Publishing Corporation 1990.
