Types of Puppets

Puppets have been used in religious rituals for hundreds of years. In African tribes, people believe that puppets can help dead spirits come back to life. Puppets have to be light so the puppeteer can hold it for a long amount of time. A famous puppet is a the dragon used for Chinese New Year. Their are six types of puppets.

Glove Puppet:



Originated in the 17th Century in China.
They were made famous through ‘Punch and Judy’.
They are also known as Hand Puppets
Glove puppets are specially made to fit a hand like a glove.
Glove puppets are typically used for children’s and street theatre.
Glove puppets are performed from behind a booth or from behind a curtain so the puppeteer cannot be seen.
These puppets have a range of movements, they can pick things up.
This type of puppet is a good starting point for beginners.

Rod Puppet:

This type of puppet is controlled by rods attached to the hands and one on the head.
Theres a glove over the hand with a wooden head.
They are used in Indonesia.
The puppeteer can be seen on stage.

Shadow Puppetry:

Considered to be the oldest style.
Created from paper, plastic and/or wood.
Originated in China and India.
Depends on the lighting to change the size of the puppet.
This style can also be done through actors (see above video)
Pilobolus Shadow Theatre

Marionettes:

People use them to translate stories from the bible. Marionette translates as Little Mary. An English puppeteer added the wooden cross and strings to control the puppet.

Carnival Puppets:

Used in celebrations. Designed for part of a large spectacle.
Controlled by people inside the puppet.
Chinese New Year Dragons

Bunraku Puppets:

Originated from Japan in the 17th and 18th Century.
There are no strings.
They are life like.
There are three puppeteers per puppet.
You can see the puppeteers.