These string puppets are used in Burma (Myanmar) in plays based on traditional Burmese and Buddhist tales.They date from the second half of the 20th century. The figures are between 68 and 74 cm in height and made of 18 pieces attached by string, or hinged. They have real human hair! The faces are painted white and the features are carved and painted. The puppets are carved with mouths similar to ventriloquist's dummies, so that they can be made to drop open, conveying surprise, anger and unhappiness. The heads have gaps at the back to allow the puppeteer to open and close the mouth.

16 strings are attached to different parts of the puppet's body and tied to a wooden H-shaped handle. The puppeteer uses both his hands to move the marionette by holding the handle and pulling the strings. The number of parts and strings mean that the puppets can be made to perform quite precise actions by a puppeteer skilful enough to make the delicate movements.

The puppets are in traditional Burmese costume - long robes decorated with sequinned front panels.