Hand Puppet

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Albert G. Walker (American, 1836 - 1902)

MakerMade by Albert G. Walker (American, 1836 - 1902)

Date1858

MediumCarved and painted wood, hand-stitched cloth, thread, and nails

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 21 1/2 x 9 x 2 5/8in. (54.6 x 22.9 x 6.7cm)

ClassificationsEquipment

Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund

Object number2007.4.1.2

DescriptionFemale hand puppet made of a piece of wood that is carved at one end to form a neck and head. A separate piece of wood is glued to the face to form a nose. A mouth and the outline for eyes were carved out. The pupils and eyebrows are applied with black paint. A red substance was applied to the lips and the apples of the cheeks to make them rosy. Another small piece of wood forms the puppet's proper left arm; the end is carved to form a closed hand. The arm is not physically attached to the wood that makes the main body of the puppet; it is held into the sleeve of the puppet's dress with two nails.

Clothing: The puppet is dress in hand-stiched clothing. She wears a cream colored bonnet that ties around her chin. The ties and a second strip of fabric that goes over the top of the head are made of a pale mint green fabric. The puppet's dress is pale tan fabric (possibly white originally), with a pattern of small, solid red ovals all over it. The bottom of the dress is hemmed. A solid red band of fabric is stitched a the waistline as a belt. The puppet has mint green shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The belt and shawl are both stitched to the dress with cream colored thread.

Status

On view