Silence Speaks - Masks, Shadows and Puppets from Asia

A journey through the many performative rituals and traditions in twelve regions and countries of Asia: Himalayas (Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal), India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia (Java, Bali), Vietnam, and Japan. 
Masks, shadows, and puppets are essential for the performance of rituals and shows. 
These surprising, fragile, and beautifully crafted objects are not seen or used as disguises or mere forms of entertainment. Often, they signify the user's desire to be possessed and to receive a spiritual visit. Their performance is frequently a welcoming ceremony and a source of satisfaction for invisible audiences of supernatural spirits.

These traditions are framed by ancient and sacred narratives that have been received since the first millennium A.D., via land and sea, from distant lands. Along with the dance movements and the gestures they employ, these ancient narratives have been gradually adapted by the ancestors of the populations currently living in the countries this book visits.
The book illustrates 270 objects from the Francisco Capelo Collection.

Author: Francisco Capelo  

Year of publication: 2015
Editor: River Books 
ISBN: 9786167339627

CASA ÁSIA - FRANCISCO CAPELO COLLECTION

Location| HERE
Guided tours | Tuesdays at 11am and Thursdays at 3pm - by registration
Information | tel.: 213 235 250 I Email: ca.cfc@scml.pt