Shadow Puppet

Item number 3364/9 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Small shadow puppet of background scenery. Shadow puppet made of semi-transparent animal skin and a watery paint or dye, soaked into the skin. Depicts a square container with four arms with scalloped decoration, one rising out of each corner, that connect at the centre above. There appears to be a hook at the centre. The maker's name is written across the back of a piece of skin attached behind the puppet.

History Of Use

Shadow puppet prop, 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.