Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3084/8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Shadow puppet of the main character Karagöz, made of semi-transparent animal skin and a watery paint. The puppet is a bearded man with an elaborate hat holding a flower at top, a collared shirt, short pants and pointed shoes. Arms are raised to chest level, hands clenched. The puppet’s legs and lower body are separate pieces and attached with string ties to create movement. The skin of the object is punctured to show division between the clothing and limbs, and for decoration.

History Of Use

Shadow puppet character, from the Turkish shadow play known as "Karagöz & Hacivat". The play dates back to the Ottoman Empire (c. 1299-1923). It follows the escapades and fights of the two central characters from whom it takes its name. These friends are opposites in many ways: Karagöz (Black Eye) is illiterate and coarse, but well-intentioned, and very funny. Whereas Hacivat is pretentious and conceited, well-spoken and amusing. The plays are full of wit and satire and social and ethnic stereotypes as well as supernatural characters, such as monsters and magicians. Karagöz shadow puppetry was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

Narrative

Collected by the donor in Istanbul in the early 1970s.

Iconographic Meaning

Represents the central character, Karagöz (Black Eye).

Item History

What

Name
Shadow Puppet
Identification Number
3084/8
Type of Item
puppet
Material
skin, paint and cotton fibre
Overall
height 27.7 cm, width 7.8 cm, depth 0.2 cm

Who

Culture
Turkish
Previous Owner
Rudi Kovanic
Received from
Rudi Kovanic (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Turkey
Collected in
Istanbul, Turkey

When

Creation Date
before 1970
Ownership Date
before October 31, 2014
Acquisition Date
on October 31, 2014

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
3084/0008