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- They are also known as sleeve, hand or palm puppets
- The head of the puppet is made of papier mache or cloth or wood with two hands emerging from just below the neck
- The rest of the body consists of a long flowing skirt. The movement of the puppet is controlled by the human hand.
- In India, traditional glove puppets are found in Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Kerala.
Figure: Glove puppets
- Pavakoothu:
- It is the traditional glove puppet form found in the state of Kerala. It came into existence during the 18th century due to the influence of Kathakali.
- The face of the puppet is decorated with paints, small and thin pieces of gilded tin, the feathers of the peacock, etc.
- The manipulator puts his hand into the bag and moves the hands and head of the puppet.
- The musical instruments used during the performance are Chenda, Chengiloa, Ilathalamand Shankha the conch. The theme for Glove puppet plays in Kerala is based on the episodes from either the Ramayana or the Mahabharata.
Figure: Pavakoothu- Glove puppet
