Introduction

One man leads the way, sprinkling salty sea water on the ground before the group as they advance, for purification. Once at the shore, the participants engage in a series of rituals: offerings laid out, prayers incanted facing the sea. Then the puppets are brought out of their wrappings and animated one by one, each given its opportunity for a solo turn. A thing-centric focus, however, and the considerations it brings to the physical aspects of puppets as material performers have overshadowed interest in the spiritual dimensions of the art, something that has been part of puppetry from earliest times. In general, puppets act as conduits for or mediators between humans, whether as individuals or communities, and the greater forces beyond our immediate perception or control, as understood through spiritual or religious frameworks. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.