Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3364/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small shadow puppet, Acem, a man from Persia. Made of semi-transparent animal skin and a watery paint or dye, soaked into the skin. The puppet body, thighs and lower legs are separate pieces, tied together with a thin plastic cord through small holes. The figure is a male, wearing red pants, with a red and dark green tunic and hat, and tall black boots. His one hand is on his stomach; his other hand is on his chest. He has a full black beard and mustache. The main hole for the stick (to manipulate the puppet) is in his upper arm. The maker's name is written along the back of the neck.

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.

Item History

What

Name
Shadow Puppet
Identification Number
3364/5
Type of Item
puppet
Material
animal skin, paint and plastic
Overall
height 31.5 cm, width 9.2 cm

Who

Culture
Turkish
Creator
Ercan Aksakal (Maker)
Previous Owner
Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey
Received from
Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey (Donor)

Where

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

When

Creation Date
during 2019
Ownership Date
before May 17, 2019
Acquisition Date
on May 17, 2019

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
3364/0005