Object of the Day: A Sicilian Knight Puppet, circa 1978

The Norman Knights

The Italian people have a long tradition of theatrical puppetry. After all, our Mr. Punch was born in Italy as Pulcinella. Puppet shows are still an integral part of Italian culture, nowhere more so than in Sicily.


Traditional Sicilian puppets often depict historical characters. One of the most popular figures is that of a Norman Knight whose image is based on the story of Orlando (Roland), one of Charlemagne's knights, and the Norman knights of King Roger. This handsome figure is still being created by skilled puppet makers today.

And, here’s one. I’ve had this puppet most of my life. I don’t remember exactly what year I was given him, though I’m sure my mother and father do. I just know I was very small, and for my entire childhood, he was a fixture in my room. And, now, he’s back, after a decade and a half in my parent’s attic—none the worse for his incarceration.

I’ve always called him, “Siciliano,” because he came from Sicily—a gift from my grandmother. He’s quite large with a wooden head and limbs. He’s a rod puppet. A metal rod manipulates his right hand—in which he carries a sword. His left arm is operated by means of a string. Dressed in a fine cape, a plumed helmet over his sandy hair, and sturdy armor, he looks, today, almost exactly as he did over thirty years ago when I first received him.