Large Sicilian marionette puppet theatre

Object discription

About 'Large Sicilian marionette puppet theatre'

Large Sicilian marionette (Opera dei Pupi), traditionally used in puppet theatre popular in southern Italy, especially Sicily and Naples. These puppets represent medieval knights and are dressed in ornate armor, often referencing the tales of Charlemagne and his paladins.

Type: Sicilian knight puppet / marionette
Origin: Italy, likely Sicily
Height: Approx. 1 meter (life-sized puppet)
Material:
Hand-painted wooden head and limbs
Brass armor and shield with repoussé decoration
Cloth garments (red skirt, green trousers)
Articulated via overhead rod and suspension system

Age: Estimated mid-20th century
Condition: Visible oxidation on shield, minor paint wear — consistent with display or light use