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Karetao - Puppets Introduction

This article gives and overview of Karetao, the Maori puppets.

Karetao - Puppets

Karetao were manipulated in much the same way as puppets and were used to help tell stories. Songs accompanied each set of actions.

The karetao is held in an upright position with one hand at its base and the other holding the cord. By alternately pulling and slackening the cord, the arms assume different positions. At the same time, by shaking the karetao at the base, the arms are made to quiver and imitate a person doing a haka.

Karetao image
Samples of Karetao

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