Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3364/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small shadow puppet of two characters, a wrestler named Pehlivan, and a monster named Canavar. Made of semi-transparent animal skin and a watery paint or dye, soaked into the skin. The wrestler wears long dark green pants with a red belt, and is shirtless. He is bald with a large moustache. The large orange cat-like monster is facing the wrestler with its tail curled up over its back, and the characters are engaged in battle. They stand on a small section of landscape with green and brown leaves. The maker's name is written along the hind leg of the monster.

History Of Use

Shadow puppet characters, 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.

Item History

What

Name
Shadow Puppet
Identification Number
3364/4
Type of Item
puppet
Material
animal skin and paint
Overall
height 18.2 cm, width 26.2 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
3364/0004