Summary

Hand made marionette depicting a stereotypical African male native character. It was manufactured and operated in Melbourne by Alex and Murray Smith, who performed as part of Le Forgeron Marionettes from 1930 until 1956.

Physical Description

This marionette depicts an male African native, and is covered in black knit fabric which is meant to be his skin. This fabric has many small holes in it, and there is a tear in his right elbow. His "grass skirt" is made of several layers of fringe; two in a tan colour, one green and one yellow. His hands and feet are painted black with brown and red detailing. The felt on his soles has a few small holes in it. His face is slightly worn, but overall is in excellent condition - no chips and not cracked. He retains most of his hair, although it is starting to disintegrate. His plastic eyes are clear with black pupils. His facial features are stereotypically 'savage'. He has a mechanism. There are operating strings attached to numerous parts of him, including his head, limbs and shoulders. The feet have been weighted.

More Information