Summary

Hand made marionette depicting a group of witches known as the witch ballet. They were manufactured and operated in Melbourne by Alex and Murray Smith, who performed as part of Le Forgeron Marionettes from 1930 until 1956.

Physical Description

Marionette group consisting of four witches hanging from a piece of hard leather, which has three lengths of rope attached in the form of loops. The witches are sown together at their cuffs. Their hands and faces are painted green, their faces being a lighter shade, their legs are black. They wear black dresses of a satin-like fabric with green sequin detailing on bodice, as well as a matching black cape and petticoat. The fabric is in relatively good condition, although there are a few holes. They wear black witches' hats which are constructed out of wood and papier-mache; some are slightly damaged. The witches' facial features are exaggerated and severe, with especially large noses. There has been considerable damage to their faces, which are quite chipped and some of their grey hair is lose or has disintegrated. Each puppet is a slightly different height. Their felt soles are all intact bar one which is slightly damaged.There are operating strings attached to numerous parts of them, including their heads, limbs and shoulders.

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