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Puppets and shadow puppets have a long history in China. But the ancient art of puppetry is another of China’s ancient traditions that’s under threat from the modern age. Now, the puppets are fighting back! More than 1,500 of them are showing at the 21st World Puppetry Festival in Southwest China’s Chengdu City.
Entering the hall, you’re met by an imposing sight. It is copy of a Han dynasty puppet, dating back some two thousand years.
Guide Luo Ting said, "It’s nearly 2 meters tall, and made of 13 bits of wood. Each joint in its legs and arms can move. Some scholars believe it was the first ever string puppet."
In 1950s, tens of thousands of puppet and shadow play troupes would travel across China. But now, there are only 30 functioning groups.
The puppets are under threat...
Li Mingbin, Vice President of Chengdu Museum, said, "As a museum, we consider it our obligation to save this endangered ancient art from being lost. "
This ancient art reached its height in the Song and Qing dynasties, when every region had its own style.
Craftsmen would bring the delicate works to life, to dance to the music of the times.
Those passing on their puppetry skills hope the thousands of puppets gathered in Chengdu might be able to lead an attack... and turn around the fortunes of China’s strange and wonderful "wooden army".
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