[Stick puppets etc.] Five items: (1) Knight in full metal armour
Sicily, probably first half 20th cent., height 65 cm. Carved wooden puppet w. painted face, fully dressed in complete metal armor w. cloth skirt, stockings and helmet plume. The sword is replaced. Sicilian stick puppets, known as "pupi," are a unique form of rod puppet theatre found primarily in Sicily, particularly in Palermo and Catania. They are distinguished by their elaborate armour, distinct animation techniques, and narratives based on chivalric romances and battles. -and 4 others: an undressed painted wooden puppet w. movable upper body and arms, height 50 cm (one hand dam.), a smaller puppet operated w. strings and 2 painted wooden heads on hooks, probably from large stick puppets.
(total 5)