Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3364/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small shadow puppet of the Jewish character called Yahudi. Made of semi-transparent animal skin and a watery paint or dye, soaked into the skin. The puppet body and head are separate pieces, tied together with a thin plastic cord through small holes. The figure is a male, wearing a long black robe, with an orange tunic, red pants, and a light green and red hat and shoes. His one arm is at his side; his other hand holds something to his chest. He has a pointed black beard and mustache. The main hole for the stick (to manipulate the puppet) is in his neck. 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.