Sicilian 'pupo's are a jewel of local culture. Walking through the historical center of Palermo you can see them everywhere, for sale or promotion. There are big ones and small ones to wrap them.
The Sicilian pupo sparkles with color. But I am interested in the wire, the iron and the feather. Usually the latter adorns the helmet, but it is often large or long, like a cape covering iron armor. The purpose is clear: move the marionette with a pinch and it comes to life while its feather flutters in the air.
The wire controls the sword connected to the shield. But only experienced puppeteers know how to give it some naturalness, otherwise it looks like the puppet is wielding the sword with every movement. Fortunately, there is the feather, light and colorful, which moves much more.
So you never know whether it is more important in life to be like a feather, to carry the wire, or to gird yourself with iron armor.
