RRN Basic

A simpler, search-only version of the Reciprocal Research Network. This site is optimized for mobile devices like your smartphone, but works well with older computers and browsers too.

To search, simply enter your query into the box at the top of the screen.

Visit the full RRN for access to more powerful search and collaborative research tools.

Puppet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3105/2

String puppet (marioneta) representing the character Venus. Puppet wears a very long dark pink skirt, and a short dark pink top with plastic round nipples attached to the outside. Her hair is also pink; clear plastic points project from the back of her head. Her midriff is exposed, showing very pale 'skin', like her face. Her lips are painted dark red. Her eyes appear to be glass balls. Her hands are carved of wood. Artist's inscription at base of body.

  • History Of Use

    Ten marionettes were made especially by Jorge Cerqueira for the Museum of Anthropology collection (see #2956/293-300 & #3105/1-2). These marionetas (string puppets) represent key characters—historical heroes and gods, sultans and kings, the dangerous storm, Adamastor, and the beautiful goddess, Venus, dressed in crimson—from the Portuguese epic, The Lusiads (1572). Written by the one-eyed adventurer and beloved poet, Luís de Camões, The Lusiads tells of the Portuguese discovery of a sea route to the East. The hero of the fantastical tale is the explorer, Vasco da Gama, who is either aided or opposed on his voyage by the Roman gods: Jupiter, Bacchus, Neptune and Venus. En route, Vasco da Gama’s fleet is welcomed by the Sultan of Malindi (Kenya) and bravely battles Adamastor, the gigantic storm, before arriving in India and meeting Monsayeed, the ruler of Calcutta (now Kolkata). Setting sail again, the Portuguese explorers stop to feast on the Isle of Love and afterwards journey on through the Indian Ocean, visiting parts of Asia and Africa. This character represents Venus, Roman goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and desire.

  • Iconographic Meaning

    Puppet representing Venus, as a character in the epic "Os Lusíadas" (The Lusiads). Venus was the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and desire in Roman mythology.

  • Type of Item puppet
  • Culture Portuguese
  • Material synthetic fibre, paper, wood, paint, plastic, adhesive, metal, glass
  • Measurements height 195.0 cm, width 32.0 cm, depth 24.0 cm (overall)
  • Creator Jorge Cerqueira
  • Field Collector Anthony A. Shelton
  • Previous Owner Anthony A. Shelton
  • Received from Anthony A. Shelton, Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget, Museum of Anthropology Director's Budget
  • Made in Sintra
  • Creation Date during 2015
  • Collection Date during 2015
  • Ownership Date before April 24, 2015
  • Acquisition Date on April 24, 2015
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3105/0002

Keyboard Shortcuts