Orissa
Wood, extensively polychromed
An articulated tiger puppet from Orissa in the style of Kundhei. This art is performed by puppeteers in groups that travel from village to village performing shows. Kundhei is considered as a dying art form as performers turn to more sustainable forms of income.
Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance that involves the manipulation of puppets. Puppetry in India can be traced back as early as the Indus Valley civilisation, and has always had a vibrant and ancient tradition of using string puppets or marionettes. String puppets were traditionally made of wood, or wire, or cloth stuffed with cotton, rags or saw dust. The puppet is suspended from hand held control strings that are attached to different parts of the puppet’s body. Generally, a different group provides narration and music for the performers. Themes for puppet theatre are mostly based on epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata but also include local myths and legends. Puppetry is popular in various state, and each state has slightly varies styles and themes. The costumery used also corresponds to the traditional costumes of the region concerned.
Size(cms): 37 (H) x 40 (W) x 10 (D)
Size(inches): 14.5 (H) x 16 (W) x 4 (D)
