Saturday 24 July 2010

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.

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14 comments:

  1. We were on the same wavelength when we thought of hanging. :)

    Mine is up too and hanging - :)

    http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/eden/

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  2. I've always been drawn to marionettes. Great take on this week's theme.

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  3. I never thought of Prague as a marionette kind of place, but it is an interesting place to hang around.

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  4. those are beautiful! great photos you have here.

    we have the Southeast Asia version we call Wayang Kulit from Indonesia.

    happy weekend! :)

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  5. I love Prague, I was also quite surprised to find all the puppets on my first visit.

    Super city and a photographers dream in my opinion.

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  6. What a unique perspective and what a lovely set of photos. You're right though that there's something a bit dark about these marionettes.

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  7. beautiful takes on the theme!

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  8. Great photos but the dolls look kind of creepy to me.

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  9. Wow those are amazing! Excellent take on the theme!

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  10. These are all so cool. The intricate work involved is just amazing and very creative.

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  11. You always make me look beyond the surface of your posts, and today you helped me discover Miroslav Trejtnar. The photos are really great.

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  12. Some look very creepy...but interesting!! Prague is on my list, now I know a bit about the city!

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  13. Fantastic photos for "hanging"! Thanks for sharing them!! :-)

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  14. Prague is definitely worth a visit, well worth it. I'm not convinced the puppet theatre is one of the highlights - I've read some mixed reviews since I came home. But marionettes are clearly an important aspect so it's a shame more isn't made of the cultural history.

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