Burma marionettes © Myo Lwin and Thi Ha, 2001

This video traces the complex process of making a marionette, from the block of wood that becomes the head to the performance itself.

This process draws on the skills of many people who carve, paint and dress the puppet. Finally its strings are precisely fitted by the puppeteer and the figure is brought to life.

As well as demons, sorcerers and monkeys, you can also see a 'human puppet' dance. In the 19th century Burmese court, puppet performances were considered superior to human performances. Human actors and dancers would copy the style of the marionettes.

See the video: Part 1 and Part 2