KURICHYA TRIBALS     The hilly regions in Wayanad district and Kannavanam forest regions of Kannur districts are the home land of the Kurichiyas . Kurichiyas are endogamous peoples.         Kurichias are following a matrilineal system and the dwelling place is called Mittam. Mittam means a group of several huts clustered together. Every Mittam has a tribal head called Odayakkaran , whose decisions are said to be final . Every Mittam will also have a joint property where male and female members of all families work together . Marriage with other tribals and non tribals is taboo and those breaking this law are ostracized from the society.            Kurichiyars bury their dead in a 66 feet by 3 feet and 5 feet depth pit . After 15 days , the tribal chief performs some rites for the departed soul. On that occasion all relatives are com to the Mittam to give a feast for the departed soul . Kurichiyas call their ancestral spirit Nizhal which means Shadow . They worship several deities such as Malakkari, Malon, Karimbil Bhagavathi , Athiralan Theyyam etc. The Kurichiyas feel that Malakkari protects them from evil spirits while Karimbil Bhagavathi comes to the safety of the pregnant , mother and children . Athiralan Theyyam protects their cultivation .           Kumba patt is in praise of their deity Malakkari (Lord Shiva) while Nari patt are verses that highlight their traditional life as hunters . All other songs are about the chivalry of their ancestors on the battle field .