Museu da Marioneta

No one knows for sure the origin and birth date of puppet shows. Nevertheless there are accounts mentioning its use in the 16th century. It is believed to derive from Southern India string puppet shows.
The use of puppets for stage and drama purposes seems to be quite a recent phenomenon, and most probably its birth is closely linked to the Nadagama.
Puppet show repertoire is mainly based upon the last ten Buddhist Jatakas – stories of Buddha’s 550 reincarnations, and of relevant events of Sri Lanka’s history (namely the Ahälepola, which tells the story of the Island’s colonisation by the British) – but nevertheless introducing some episodes of the people’s daily and religious life, and their rituals, such as the Naga Raksha dance – the demon’s dance.
Although going through some decline, puppets shows can still be found in the South of the Island – in Ambalangoda – and in Kandy and Colombo.
Puppet theatre groups have 8 to 10 members. Half of them manipulate the puppets and the others play the traditional instruments and sing the texts.
Stages are usually improvised two level constructions made of bamboo – one on the floor and another for the manipulators. These structures are covered by fabric and have a central opening for the play.
Puppets from Sri Lanka can reach over a meter high, although they generally measure approximately 80 cm. They are made of wood, and the body parts are separated and connected by wires and fabric in order to ensure their flexibility and make it easier to manipulate their arms, hands, legs, and head. Their weigh is highly demanding for the manipulators, and requires them great effort and expertise. Most commonly no more than two puppets are performing at the same time.
In order to make them more realistic, their clothes are usually very rich and covered with embroideries, spangles, glass beads, ribbons, lace and velvet adorning skirts, corsages, coats, and hats.
In spite of all recent efforts carried out to develop the revival of puppet shows in Sri Lanka – namely their use in schools for educational purposes and the creation of UNIMA Sri Lanka – puppet shows are clearly declining.

The puppets featured in this museum represent human and demon characters from different stories, namely the Ahälepola, the story of Kalagola, the story of Prince Salya and young Asokamala, the Vessantara Jataka, and the Vidhura Jataka, as well as other generic characters that may appear in any story and that are not clearly identified.