Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Battle!


I have to do a lot of research for my job, and in the course of my Googling, I find all manner of bizarre things. Yesterday, I was looking for examples I could use to teach kids how to make shadow puppets. I assumed I'd see lots of dogs, some ducks, maybe a bird or two. Instead, I found a ridiculously awesome shadow puppetry guide, originally published in 1859. These aren't shadow puppets so much as Victorian gang signs.

Camel! In your face!

Bitch, please! Squinty-eyed deer!

Disapproving rabbit!

Elephant! Oh...what now?!

YOUR MOM, that's what's next.

Oh, SNAP!

STFU, little kid. BIRD IN FLIGHT!

I'm gonna choke out your bird.

GROWLING DOG!

Angry bear!

Pissed-off miniature dachshund with short-man syndrome!

Oh, yeah? Well, here's...take a...I've got...shit. I give up.




Reading  Rocket Man by William Elliott Hazelgrove

Playing  Pearl Jam radio on Pandora


Graphics from Hand Shadows by Henry Bursill, published in 1859 by Griffith & Farran, corner of St. Paul's churchyard

11 comments:

  1. Those are freaking awesome!

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  2. I've got a shadow puppet for that kid. A single fingered salute.

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  3. Sweet header, by the way!

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  4. All I thought when I saw the bunny was "Do deformed rabbit. It's my favorite."

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  5. Oh, good God, these are GREAT!!!

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  6. I cannot stop laughing!!!!

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  7. Popping over to say thanks for the visit to my blog but now I'm totally trying to make shadow puppets on my wall. Apparently I am easily influenced. I will say though that my elephant is looking slightly p0rn0graphic on my wall. Maybe if I put his trunk down. Well anyway. Thanks again for the visit. Great blog you have here!

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  8. Why are they choking that bird?? Or am I the only one perplexed by that?
    Also, I tagged you veloci, so pop over to mah blog if you want and see what's up. Don't worry, you can ignore it if you want to. :P

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  9. Anonymous11:14 AM

    you have to cut off your hand to do some of these but it is totally worth it.
    i posted this on indiecraft:
    http://indiecrafts.craftgossip.com/2008/12/23/shadow-puppets-ephemeral-crafts-for-kids-and-grownups/

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