Chadar-Badar Puppet

Santhal

Wood with cloth

This rare primitive folk puppet consists of a row of ten conjoined men with articulated arms, representing a group of dancers. This puppet would have been part of a set of puppets which is peculiar to the Santhal, known as Chadar Badar. It is quite different from the string, rod, gloves and shadow puppetry that are popular elsewhere in India.

Chadar Badar is a traditional Santhal puppetry featuring 11–17 wooden puppets crafted from simple materials and adorned with vibrant decorations. The rotating platform stage, operated by foot-tugged cords and hand-turned mechanisms, creates a lively performance mimicking Santhal dances. Popular during Durga Puja in Bihar and West Bengal, it includes singing, drumming, and storytelling. The Santhals, known for their rich music and dance traditions, are the largest tribal community in eastern India, drawing widespread cultural and scholarly interest.

Size (cms): 19(H) x 45(W) x 10(D)
Size (inches): 7.5(H) x 17.5(W) x 4(D)