Shadow Puppet Item Number: Efg76 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Untanned leather cutout, translucent with red and black pattern painted on one side supported by split bamboo rod which is fastened with four cord ties. Patterned with a human-like moustached figure holding a coiled serpent on its left arm (as used) and a pyramid shaped object in its raised right hand. Figure is in profile, but two round eyes are frontal. Nose is hooked with a bird-like beak and mouth shows one prominent fang. Two feathered wings extend behind shoulders. Clothed with high headdress, trousers and body and limb jewelry. Shown in motion with extended legs. An object with two flower-like wheels lies between feet, the wheel pattern is repeated at waist level. Behind the figure the fanged serpent with extruded tongue is patterned with flecked scales and a row of red hearts. The wings, headdress and other prominent features are perforated by closely spaced round, oblong and triangular holes.
History Of Use
Used to produce puppet shadow plays.
Cultural Context
drama
Item History
- Made in India
- Owned by Milton Israel before November 12, 1985
- Received from Milton Israel (Donor) on November 12, 1985
What
Who
- Culture
- North India
- Previous Owner
- Milton Israel
- Received from
- Milton Israel (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- India
When
- Ownership Date
- before November 12, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on November 12, 1985
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1062/0012