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The University of Winnipeg

Puppets, dolls, and figurines

These items are part of an in-progress display by the students working under the direction of Dr. Serena Keshavjee.

The students in Museum Secrets (HIST-2804) are learning to be critical museum visitors. This course involved writing reviews about local museums like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, as well as experimental learning assignments with objects.

 The Anthropology Museum at the University of Winnipeg has a variety art, objects and artifacts in their collections. Working with the curator Dr. Eric Thrift and collections technician, Jodi Schmidt, we selected 26 figurines, puppets, and dolls for the students to study. Many of these were bought as souvenirs by UWinnipeg Anthropology professors going back to the 1970s, and include a range of items from puppets and dolls to devotional objects. Students researched these souvenirs, filled in condition reports, and wrote up short object labels to contextualize them. With Dr. Thrift they curated this vitrine to share their research with the university community.

I thank the students and staff who supported this work and exhibition this year and made our class so enjoyable.

– Dr. Serena Keshavjee

A2014-10/W2 A. Replica of the Vogelherdpferd Horse. Discovered in 1931 by Gustav Reik’s excavation team at Vogelherd Cave. The original is housed in the archaeological museum at the University of Tubingen, in the Castle Hohentubingen, Germany, 2014. Donated, Mirjana Roksandic. A2014-10/W2
A2014-10/W3 B. Replica waterfowl carving. Discovered during excavations at Hohle Fels Cave near Schelklingen, Germany. The body was recovered in 2001 and the head in 2002. The original is housed at the University of Tubingen. Donated, Mirjana Roksandic. A2014-10/W3
A2014-10/W1 C. Replica of the Lion of Vogelherd. Discovered in 1931 by Gustav Reik’s excavation team at Vogelherd Cave. The original is housed in the archaeological museum at the University of Tubingen, in the Castle Hohentubingen, Germany, 2014. Donated, Mirjana Roksandic. A2014-10/W1
A72-10 D. Replica of Lourdes Horse. Discovered between 1886 and 1889 by Leon Nelli in the Grotte des Espelugues. Lourdes, France. Purchased, Christopher Meiklejohn. A72-10
E1-125 E. Three components of a metal figurine of Ganesh / Ganesha, Hindu god of beginnings and remover of obstacles. Ganesh is recognized by the elephant head. India. E1-125
E1-129 F. Siwa / Shiva as Nataraja the god who created dance. India. E1-129
A2009-31/W14 G. Small skeleton marionette. This figure was purchased as a souvenir and is related to the Mexican celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Mexico, 10/29/2009. Donated, M. Doherty. A2009-31/W14
A2009-31/W19 H. Miniature skeleton shoe shine stand. Day of the Dead figurines often represent skeletons performing routine daily activities to remind us that life is short and that death is a normal part of life. These were purchased as souvenirs and are related to the Mexican celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Mexico, 10/29/2009. Donated, M. Doherty. A2009-31/W19
A2009-31/W1 I. Miniature skeletal figures of mariachi band members playing various instruments including the guitar, horn and violin. These were purchased as souvenirs and are related to the Mexican celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead figurines often represent skeletons performing routine daily activities to remind us that life is short and that death is a normal part of life. Mexico, 10/29/2009. Donated, M. Doherty. A2009-31/W1b,d,f
E1-33 J. Japanese Geisha doll in case. Carrying what may be a kago, a handbag. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-33
E1-34 K. Japanese Geisha doll in case, depicting seven hats dance or (furidashigasha) furidashi-gasa no odori from the Musume-dojoji stage drama. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-34
E1-46 L. Wooden temple guard or Yak. Guardian warrior meant to repel evil spirits. Asia, Thailand, Bangkok, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-46
E3-3 M. This wooden figure is a tekoteko, a carved form of a human which could be either free standing or used as an architectural ornament to protect or safeguard belongings. This souvenir was purchased from the Derek Collection (Derek Corporation). New Zealand, 07/27/1970. Purchased, Derek Collection. E3-3
E1-49 N. Wooden carving of a female figure, may be Balinese. Wearing what appears to be a traditional torso wrap called a kemben, and holding a bouquet. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-49
E1-166 O. Wayang golek purwa wooden rod puppet, used to perform the Ramayana. Leksamana Indonesia, Java, 1980. Purchased, Mustapha, Rusdi. E1-166
E1-167 P. Wayang golek purwa wooden rod puppet, used to perform the Ramayana. Rahwana Indonesia, Java, 1980. Purchased, Mustapha, Rusdi. E1-167
E1-168 Q. Wayang golek purwa wooden rod puppet, used to perform the Ramayana. Jatayu. Indonesia, Java, 04/20/1981. Purchased, Mustapha, Rusdi. E1-168
E2D-15 R. Marionette purchased while in North Africa in July 1980. Depicts an Ottoman janissary, or soldier, with a sword and shield. Tunisia, 1980. Purchased, Lorraine de Jong. E2D-15
A2009-31/W2 S. Wooden skeleton figure with moveable joints. This figure was purchased as a souvenir and is related to the Mexican celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Mexico, 10/29/2009. Donated, M. Doherty. A2009-31/W2
E9-11 T. Architectural adornment from Teotihuacan. Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, miniature. Donated on behalf of Dr. W.M (Bill) Morgan by his wife Blaine after his death. Mexico; Central America, 1/5/1997. Donated, W. M. (Bill) Morgan. E9-11
E9-9 U. Aztec figurine replica of the birthing figure which may represent the Aztec diety Tlazolteotl. Donated on behalf of Dr. W.M (Bill) Morgan by his wife Blaine after his death. Mexico ; Central America, 1/5/1997. Donated, W. M. (Bill) Morgan. E9-9
E1-37 V. This figurine depicts the monkey warrior Hanuman, a character in Thai Khon dance dramas. The mask is removable. Asia, Thailand, Bangkok, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-37
E1-38 W. Figure of two individuals, “prince and princess”, performing traditional Thai dancing. Asia, Thailand, Bangkok, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-38
E1-40 X. 1970s folk art patchwork elephant figure. May be associated with the Rajasthan puppetry practice known as Kathputli. The elephant symbolizes good luck. Related to E1-41 and E1-42. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-40
E1-41 Y. 1970s folk art patchwork horse figure. May be associated with the Rajasthan puppetry practice known as Kathputli. The horse symbolizes power. Related to E1-40 and E1-42. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-41
E1-42 Z. 1970s folk art patchwork camel figure. May be associated with the Rajasthan puppetry practice known as Kathputli. The camel symbolizes love. Related to E1-40 and E1-41. Asia, China, Hong Kong, 1970. Purchased, Wing Sam Chow. E1-42