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Arts & Communication Tech revitalization of Yakshagana artifacts

A B C D

Figure 6. Variety of headdresses in Badaguthittu Yakshagana: (A) Crown (kireeta) type; (B) kedagemundale type; (C) mundasu type; and (D) bannada
kireeta type

A B C In the domain of musical instruments, the scarcity of
appropriate wooden raw materials and the complexity
in processing leather membranes and tuning them to
the required tension levels during production are major
problems. In fact, artists frequently struggle to tune the
instruments to the required pitch during performance,
and these instruments are prone to atmospheric conditions
such as temperature and humidity. To address these issues,
Figure 7. Musical instruments used in Yakshagana: (A) thaala (cymbals); a material replacement for wood and leather must be
(B) maddale; and (C) chande
researched. This process of re-designing the instruments
with alternative materials also requires a comprehensive
artists when staging the productions. Improvements in the study of mechanical design and vibroacoustics.
development of Yakshagana costume materials and musical
instruments are of significant importance. Although the In India, there have been few attempts to create musical
literature review revealed limited research on materials instruments using synthetic materials. However, these
engineering for the performing arts in general, there are efforts have been mainly experimental and not supported by
numerous unexplored possibilities for the requirements systematic technical research, resulting in the limited success
of art forms, such as Yakshagana, including reverse of these endeavors. Furthermore, the musical instruments
engineering, bio-inspired design, parametric design utilized in Yakshagana must include distinct functions and
principles, materials engineering, engineering analysis, characteristics, which require a systematic scientific study.
sophisticated production methods, etc. In this regard, 4.2. Re-design and optimization
materials engineering, design, production, processing,
and reverse engineering are some of the key areas of the At present, the geometry and shapes of the majority of the
mechanical engineering discipline whereby engineers and costume parts are inconsistent. Thus, the parts of different
researchers can contribute. varieties and sizes must be standardized. In this regard, the
geometries of the ornaments can be internally altered to
4.1. Finding suitable material alternatives optimize the material distribution and reduce the weight of
The main requirements for the ornaments in this art the parts. Any inconsistencies in the shape or quality of the
form are cost effectiveness, reduction in weight, shorter parts due to hand carving can be addressed using reverse
production lead times, and increased quality and engineering techniques such as 3D scanning.
durability. At present, the majority of the ornaments are As for the weapons (locally called ayudhas) carried
made from solid wooden parts, while leather is used for by the actors (Figure 8) during the performance, they
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the membranes and straps of the musical instruments. are typically crafted from steel or wood, presenting
Replacing traditional wooden and leather materials with considerable weight challenges. The bulkiness of these
modern materials can be one solution to these problems. weapons, particularly the long and heavy ones, also poses
Meanwhile, the difficulties in replacing the color foils difficulties for transportation. Hence, there is a need to
can be addressed by researching customized paints, explore new material designs that can address these issues
appropriate adhesives, suitable coating techniques, and such as investigating collapsible, foldable, or detachable
related processes. Variations in ambient temperature and weapon designs. To package and preserve the parts
humidity should also be considered. and equipment, interactive approaches, such as reverse

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 7 doi: 10.36922/ac.3052