Burmese puppet head “alchemist/doctor,” carved wood

Ancient Burmese puppet head (yoke tea) carved from wood, representing a male character such as a scholar, doctor, or alchemist, probably related to the magical figure Zaw Gyi. The face features an articulated mouth with a movable lower jaw, originally operated by a wire, as well as a mustache and goatee made from real hair fixed into the wood. Red/purple cotton headdress decorated with braid, sequins, and gold trimmings, typical of high-ranking characters in Burmese puppet theater.
Beautiful patina from use, some wear and small losses to the polychromy and nose, consistent with age and stage use, visible in the photos.
Ideal for collectors of Asian puppets, primitive art, or as a decorative curiosity; head mounted on a modern wooden base for better presentation (not original).
International shipping. Fast shipping with careful packaging and reinforced protection of the item.
DIMENSIONS: H15cm without the base
DATE: Late 19th - early 20th century, circa 1880-1910
ORIGIN: Burma/Myanmar, probably the Mandalay region, yoke the puppet theater tradition
WEIGHT: 300g without base