Puppet and Spirit: Ritual, Religion, and Performing Objects: Volume I Sacred Roots: Material Entities, Consecrating Acts, Priestly Puppeteers

This anthology of essays explores the relationships between puppets and the immaterial world, focusing on traditional practices and their ritual and spiritual aspects. It provides a range of models and critical vocabularies for understanding puppetry's role in expressing and capitalizing on its connections to other realms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating anthology of essays delves into the diverse tapestry of relationships that exist between puppets and the ethereal realm. The puppet's allure transcends its physical presence, as it has been historically and globally employed for various purposes, harnessing its purported connections to other realms or its ability to serve as vessels or conduits for immaterial presence. On the one hand, the unsettling Uncanny of puppets beckons us to explore the possibilities it presents for connecting to discarnate realities. Where do we witness such profound connections? How can we adequately describe, analyze, and theorize these intricate relationships?

Volume 1, the first installment of this two-part series, takes a deep dive into these questions, specifically focusing on long-established, traditional practices involving puppets, devotional objects, and related items with sacred significance or ritual roles. By examining performance traditions and artifacts from China, Indonesia, Korea, Mali, Brazil, Iran, Germany, and other regions, the essays contributed by scholars and practitioners offer valuable models and critical vocabularies for understanding the ritual and spiritual dimensions of puppet performance. This volume contributes to the expanding understanding and appreciation of puppetry as a multifaceted art form.

In conjunction with its companion volume, this book provides a comprehensive and diverse exploration of the subject matter, offering a rich tapestry of voices, examples, and perspectives. Together, they shed light on the intricate interplay between puppets and the immaterial world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this captivating art form.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367713379