what is marionette

A marionette is a type of puppet controlled from above using strings or wires attached to its movable parts, such as arms, legs, head, and sometimes even the mouth. The puppeteer manipulates these strings by means of a control bar, allowing the marionette to move in lifelike ways. Traditional marionettes are often made of wood or have a wooden structure, and operating them requires skill and coordination to create realistic movements. The word "marionette" derives from the French word "marionnette," meaning "little Mary," a name that originated because of the frequent depiction of the Virgin Mary in early puppetry performances during the Middle Ages. Marionettes have a rich historical and cultural background, having been used for centuries in various forms of theater, including operas composed specifically for them in the 18th century. They have been a significant part of entertainment and storytelling traditions in many cultures worldwide, including European, Asian, and Middle Eastern puppetry. In summary, marionettes are delicate, sophisticated puppets manipulated by strings to perform a wide range of motions, often in theatrical and artistic contexts.