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Shadow Puppet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3364/9

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.

  • Type of Item puppet
  • Culture Turkish
  • Material animal skin, paint, plastic
  • Measurements height 15.0 cm, width 20.2 cm (overall)
  • Creator Ercan Aksakal
  • Previous Owner Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey
  • Received from Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey
  • Made in Bursa
  • Creation Date during 2019
  • Ownership Date before May 17, 2019
  • Acquisition Date on May 17, 2019
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3364/0009

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