Nostalgic Toys - Marionettes
Marionettes were used in performance theatre in Egypt as early as 2000 BC when string-operated figures of wood were manipulated to perform the action of kneading bread, and other string controlled objects. Wire controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory have been found in Egyptian tombs.
With the rise in popularity of television and film, marionettes found a rise in popularity especially in children's programming. The story of Pinocchio and its Disney adaptation (Pinocchio), which was released in 1940, is a story about a marionette. In 1947, Howdy Doody introduced marionettes to children's television, with Howdy Doody (the main character) being a marionette, as well as some other characters.
One of the hidden treasures in Central Park is the Swedish Cottage MarionetteTheater. For more information go here http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/
By Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations
