A primitive artisan tribal community in
Kerala, Uraalikurumas are mainly settled in
Wayanad District. It is a subdivision of the
Kurumbas, the aboriginal tribes of South India.
Uraalikurumas are also known as Bet Kurumas, who inhabit areas in Mysore District of Karnataka. The language of the tribe is a mixture of a Kannada and Malayalam.
Uraalikurumas play flute and drum during their celebratory occasions. In the month of February, the Uch-alkali, a famous dance form, is performed. The dances are exclusively performed by men folk. Women are not allowed to participate in theses ceremonies, but they are skilled potters. Baskets, mats of various types with reeds and bamboo, and hand made pots are their main handicrafts.
The main deities of this tribe are 'Bettu Chikkamma' and 'Bamadu'. They also worship demons and ancestral spirits.
