Indian Male (With Mustache) Puppet on Stick

A mustache, a stubborn jaw, and a rather alarming stare.

Craftsmen from Bengal and Odisha, India, made this male puppet on a stick in cloth and wood in the 20th century. Rod and glove puppets are commonly used in popular storytelling and folk theater across eastern India. The carved, painted head shows a dark mustache, heavy brows and wide eyes beneath black hair. The arms are stiff cloth tubes held straight out, and a short skirt in red, ochre and brown hangs from the waist.

About 55 inches tall on its stick. Excellent at parties. Poor at small talk.