Temple Cart Carving: Puppeteer
1987.16.0004
Detailed Images
Basic Information
Artifact Identification | Temple Cart Carving: Puppeteer (1987.16.0004) |
---|---|
Classification/ Nomenclature |
|
Artist/Maker | Unknown |
Geographic Location | |
Period | N/A |
Date | 19th – 20th century CE |
Culture | Indian |
Location | Not on Exhibit |
Physical Analysis
Dimension 1 (Length) | 74.0 cm |
---|---|
Dimension 2 (Length) | 15.2 cm |
Dimension 3 (Width) | 6.7 cm |
Weight | 3,953 g |
Measuring Remarks | N/A |
Materials | Plant--Wood, Pigment--Stain |
Manufacturing Processes | Carved, Staining |
Research Remarks
Description | In museum work, the legacies of colonialism can permanently scar artifacts with missing or altered information. This puppeteer carving–measuring 74 cm in height, 6.7 cm in width, and weighing approximately 4 kg–is one such piece. Originally, this carving was identified as a “temple dancer,” even though the central figure is primarily engaged in puppeteering, not dance. Additionally, temple dancers must originate from temples made of stone, but this carving is clearly made of wood. This notable discrepancy had altered the meaning of this piece in Spurlock’s database since 1998. |
---|---|
Published Description | N/A |
Bibliography | 1East-West Center. “Cosmic Characters: Wood Puppets of Asia.” https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastwestcenter/albums/72157702504347592/, 2019. https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastwestcenter/albums/72157702504347592/. |
Artifact History
Credit Line/Dedication | Gift of Samuel and Florence Lanford. |
---|---|
Reproduction | No |
Contact
All information about our collection is constantly reviewed and updated. Please contact Dery Martínez-Bonilla, Registrar, if there is any information you are looking for that isn't currently online.