Burma / Myanmar: Traditional Burmese puppets (Yoke thé) on sale, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon (Rangoon)

Yoke thé (lit. miniatures) is the Burmese name for marionette puppetry. Although the term can be used for marionettery in general, its usage usually refers to the local form of string puppetry. Like most of Burmese refined art, Yoke thé performances originated from Royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. Yoke thé are almost always performed in operas.

Burmese marionettes are very intricate and dexterous as they employ 18 (for male characters) or 19 (for female) wires, each puppet controlled only by one puppeteer.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia