![]() They are about half a meter tall and often weigh up to 15 kilograms. The puppets are carved out of wood and then lacquered. Spotlights and colorful flags further adorn the stage, creating a festive atmosphere during a performance. The puppet masters manipulate the marionettes using long bamboo rods and string mechanisms that are concealed underneath the water. The puppeteers stand behind a split-bamboo screen that is usually decorated to resemble a temple façade. Eventually, the farmers countered with a fish sauce or green tea remedy which regulated body heat as well as waterproof boots to keep leeches out.Ī typical water puppet show consists of a stage filled with water, usually around waist-high. In the past, rural puppet masters suffered from cold waters during winter, water-borne diseases and leeches. Even today, villagers would use codes names to refer to certain maneuver. Water puppeteers have kept their techniques a secret throughout the centuries. It was also great at creating effects like splashes and waves which added excitement to the shows. The water also turned out to be an excellent medium at concealing the puppet master’s string mechanism. ![]() Not having much at their disposal, the farmers improvised and used the rice paddies and nearby ponds as the stage. ![]() In order to satisfy the ‘rice paddy spirits’, the farmers created water puppetry. It has entertained millions throughout the years with many more across the globe being introduced to Vietnam’s unique puppet performance.Ībout a century ago, animism played a major role in the lives of rural Vietnamese. Water puppetry is one of the country’s oldest traditions, dating back to the 10th century in the villages of the Red River Delta, Northern Vietnam. ![]()
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