Hanging around

When we decided to visit Prague, I realised I knew little about the city or the Czech Republic.  I did do some research before I left but there were all sorts of things that surprised me when I was there to see for myself, and among them, marionettes.  They were hanging everywhere.

On the market stalls they were with the postcards.  This row had a great family resemblance - all out of the same mould. :)

You could even buy them with your carrots and onions.

But elsewhere you could go to see a performance in what is reputed to be the world's oldest marionette theatre.  I don't know what, if any, symbolism is intended in the sign hanging over the entrance.

This was one of the more elaborate hanging figures.  Some of them seemed quite "dark".

The history of marionettes in the area goes back to the 18th century when travelling puppeteers would tour through the Czech lands.  The marionettes were made from lime wood by professional wood carvers who often carved church statues too.  Later amateur puppeteers became widespread.  Almost every town and village had their own.  The movement became associated with Czech history and national pride and is a remarkably interesting subject.

So, if you'd like to hang around with other people in the Photo Hunt, pay a visit to TNchick's site where you can find out more.