Pete the Performing Panda Marionette

Pete the Performing Panda Marionette

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Description (Brief)
The circus has a a long history in America entertainment beginning in the 18thc, Traveling by wagon and train the circus exposed Americans to sites and sounds never seen before, including exotic animals, people from far away lands and daring performances that required great skill and bravery. Popular with all ages, the Haines brought the spirit of the circus to hundreds of people in an around Philadelphia through their elaborate puppet shows.
The Haines' circus puppet characters included Tightrope Star, Mitzi from Vienna, Boxers Kanga and Roo, Patagonian Pigs Pinkie and Patti, Tony the Dog in clown outfit, performing bears Laska, Pete and Repete, Flying Trapeze Artist Tim, Mugsy the Barker, and a Ringmaster..
These two dancing pandas known as Pete and Repete are stufed wire forms covered with black and white plush fabric. Theh have flat wooden paws and feet painted back and they both are wearinga red velvet collar decorated with silver sequins. Two long wires are attached to neck and waist, and operated with a wooden handle.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
puppet
Object Type
puppets
date made
1942
1948
user
Haines, Elizabeth L.
Haines, Frank D.
maker
Haines, Elizabeth L.
Haines, Frank D.
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Physical Description
plush (overall material)
velvet (overall material)
sequins (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
wire (overall material)
wood (overall material)
paint (overall material)
Measurements
bear: 14 in x 8 in x 4 in; 35.56 cm x 20.32 cm x 10.16 cm
wires each: 40 in; 101.6 cm
handles each: 3 in; 7.62 cm
ID Number
2007.0137.005.08
accession number
2007.0137
catalog number
2007.0137.005.08
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth and Frank D. Haines
subject
Puppetry
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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