Rajasthani Male Puppet Figure

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Rajasthani Male Puppet Figure

Accession No : 60/7/2127 (23)

In this figure, a male puppet is depicted with a wooden head, large eyes, curvy moustache and dense beard. The puppet is seen wearing a colourful cap. The figure of the puppet is wearing a red, white and blue coloured dress which has pleats around the waist. The puppet is depicted with an arm in its left hand.

Gallery

607212723B.jpg

Source

  • RepositoryNational Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy
  • CollectionMuseum Collection

Provenance

  • CountryIndia
  • StateRajasthan

Condition

  • ConditionAverage
  • RemarksDamaged at Places and clothes torn
  • Action NoteCR

Contributor

  • Community / TribeBhat

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)67 x 12 x 8.3
  • Weight (GRMS)0.00

Significance

  • Socio economicKathputli is a string puppet performance and is an ancient and well-known form of folk entertainment. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Rajasthan. They are a well known source of amusement in the state. The puppets are made and performed by a society of agricultural labourers, Bhat community of Rajasthan. These people are connected with puppetry to carry forward their traditional profession. Originally, they belong to the Nagaur area of the Marwar region; they travel all over the country to showcase the puppetry theatre. It was patronised by many ruling families of the state and later got popularised all over the region.
  • ArtisticThe puppets are usually two feet in height having a wooden head with a huge nose and large eyes. The rest of the body is prepared of colourful and bright pieces of cloth and stuffed clothes which also allow free movement. The puppet has a long thread for the head which reaches the manipulator and then joins the middle, the threads from the two hands of the puppet are tied to the hands of the manipulator. The puppets of Rajasthan do not have legs but are covered with a large pleated skirt.

Description

  • DescriptionIn this figure, a male puppet is depicted with a wooden head, large eyes, curvy moustache and dense beard. The puppet is seen wearing a colourful cap. The figure of the puppet is wearing a red, white and blue coloured dress which has pleats around the waist. The puppet is depicted with an arm in its left hand.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • Referencehttps://industries.rajasthan.gov.in/content/industries/handmadeinrajasthandepartment/artandcraft/woodandsandlewoodwork/kathputli.html
  • KeywordKathputli, Rajasthan, Wood, Man, Skirt, Tradition, Occupation, Bhat, Soldier