Handcrafted Indian Puppets and Traditional Artistry
We believe in the power of storytelling. Our puppets are not just characters, they are hand-carved keepers of our heritage, crafted to bring ancient epics to life for the next generation.
A beautifully adorned female puppet, possibly a queen or a goddess, showcasing the intricate jewelry, costume, and expressive features that are a signature of our work.
This video showcases a series of puppets created for an installation, each representing one of the nine 'rasas' or emotions. Notice the detailed costumes, wooden jewelry, and distinct postures that define each character.
A glimpse into our workshop, where an army of Jambavan puppets is being prepared. This shows the process of creation, from the raw wooden forms to the final painted characters ready for the stage.
A puppet depicting the sage Kanva from our production of "Abhijnaana Shaakuntalam." The character's wisdom and gentle nature are conveyed through his expressive, hand-painted face and simple attire.
This is the puppet for our "Ashtavakra" show, a story from the Mahabharata. The design of the puppet is central to telling the story of the sage who was born with physical deformities but possessed immense wisdom.
A display of puppets depicting the story of Gajendra Moksha. Here you can see Lord Vishnu on Garuda, the elephant Gajendra, and the crocodile, all crafted to bring this powerful mythological tale to life.
A scene depicting the descent of the Ganga, with Lord Shiva, Bhagiratha, and Ganga Devi. Our doll displays often narrate complex stories through static, beautifully arranged scenes.
A group of puppets on display, led by Lord Ganesha. This collection includes musicians and dancers, representing the vibrant cultural life that we portray in our shows.
A display of royal puppets, including Lord Krishna and other kings from mythology. The golden breastplates, intricate crowns, and rich fabrics showcase the regal nature of these characters.
Puppets on display, framed to highlight their individual artistry. This allows viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship of each character up close, outside of a full performance.
About The Soul of the Puppet: Handcrafted Artistry
We carve each puppet using traditional methods inspired by Hoysala temple art, selecting specific woods and natural pigments for every character. These are not factory-made toys, but articulated, gallery-quality pieces, often 2-3 feet tall, designed with precise joint movements that allow our puppeteers to capture nuanced human expressions during live storytelling.
The Craft of Sutrada Bombe
Our craft follows the Dakshina Bharata sampradaya (South Indian tradition), where the puppet is an extension of the storyteller. We focus on Sutrada Bombe—string puppetry—requiring months of dedicated effort to create a single character. We use wood that is light yet durable, carving intricate details like the jewelry, the expressive rasas (emotions) on the face, and the posture. Every outfit is stitched from traditional silks, reflecting the regality of characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, or the Vijayanagara era.
Bringing Heritage to Life
These puppets are built for performance. While they look stunning on display, their true form is revealed when manipulated by our team of 3-4 puppeteers. We integrate rod and string techniques to create dynamic movement, ranging from the grace of a dancer to the drama of a mythological battle. When you host a Dhaatu show, you are not just getting an entertainer, you are getting a living exhibit of Karnataka's art history. Whether for a school workshop or a grand production, we bring the story, the stage, and the soul of the tradition with us.
Dhaatu
For us at Dhaatu, puppetry is a sacred duty. We do not just hold the strings, we channel the stories of our ancestors to keep our cultural roots vibrant and alive in this modern world.
Looking for a different cultural experience?
Explore our other workshops, festival performances, and puppet shows.
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