TWO OLD WOODEN PUPPET HEADS (ONE WITH GLASS INLAYS) - MYANMAR (BURMA) - MID 20th C

These two puppet heads originate from Burma.

The eyes of the two puppet heads are made of glass or porcelain. The conical hat of the red lacquered head has glass inlays. The face of the puppet head with the hat shows a few of gold traces.

Yoke thay or Yoke thé is the Burmese name for the traditional Burmese puppet theatre and refers

usually to the local form of string puppetry. Marionette puppetry originated from the 15th century under royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. In the 19th century, it reached its peak. Burmese marionettes served sometimes as a conduit between the ruler and his subjects. Many times, people would ask the puppeteers to mention a current event or warning to the ruler in a veiled fashion. Thus, information or popular discontent could be passed on without any disrespect, as marionettes could say things that a human could be punished for with death. After the conquest of Burma by the English in 1885 Yoke thay declined, but regained popularity since the 1990s.

A company consists of puppeteers, singers and a traditional Burmese orchestra (hsaing waing) providing the music. There are pieces of stage scenery, such as a throne; painted backdrops represent the site of the action, forest, or palace. A set of string puppets (marionettes) consists of at least twenty-eight puppets. The characters can be humans, animals, or mythical beings. Each puppet has its own way of dancing, accompanied by instrumental music and songs. A human figure is made up of eighteen pieces: the head, neck, two body pieces, three arm sections, and four for each leg. The strings, generally eleven, are divided in two groups: five strings animate the head, the shoulders and the rump, while the other six move the upper arms, thighs, and hands. The bodies measure between 45 to 70 centimetres and are fashioned from wood that is insect-resistant but light and easy to carve, like yamanay (Gmelina arbor).

The themes of the puppet plays were based on the Buddha’s previous births (Jataka stories), Buddhist fables and stories, folktales and incidents in Burmese history, including the history of the pagodas. The last ten Jataka tales were very popular as they describe the perfection of ten important virtues. People learned about history, astrology, court intrigues and ethics from puppet plays.

Age: mid 20th C.

Size and weight: a) red lacquered face 17 cm high, 7.8 cm wide, 8 cm thick. Weight: 229 gr.

b) gilded hat puppet 14 cm high, hat diameter 9.5 cm. Weight: 183 gr.

These puppet heads are in average condition taking into account their age: abrasion and loss of pigment; small part of both hat’s tips and some glass inlays are missing. Good signs of use and age. Look carefully to the pictures, which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. Colors may differ slightly from the original colors. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

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