Katipapula Hakku Patras

These are Hakku Patras from the Katipapalu. The Katipapalu are a folk performer’s community. 'Kadu' means burial and 'Papalu' is derived from Kapulu. 'Kapu' means to look after. Just like a caretaker he looks after the burial ground. They have a special dress and ornaments. They wear jewellery symbolically engraved with letters and images on small copper or silver metal plates. They have a decorated brass crown which no other castes are allowed to wear. Previously they have lived aloof and far away from village boundaries or lived in secluded areas.