Date: Sun, 7 May 2006 17:21:29 EDT
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] What is this in English?


Mary,

Limberjack!   That was the word I was trying to remember.   Limberjacks in 
the Appalachians could indeed have been derived from planchettes used in 
England, but not being an expert on either, I'm wondering if the limberjack isn't 
actually a simpler device?   Isn't it operated a little more directly than the 
traditional planchette?   The planchette, I believe, requires a string wrapped 
around the leg of a standing street busker, as in the Southwark Fair engraving. 
  But it could be the limberjack works in the same way, and I just don't 
recall it properly.

Someone in American folk puppetry should know....

Whether it is the same, or a derivative, or merely a related form of jigging 
puppet, it is likely it came over from England or Ireland.   Traces of 
Elizabethan English supposedly existed in parts of the Appalachian Mountains as late 
as the last century.

Sean K.


In a message dated 5/7/06 5:02:00 PM, mphorsley-AT-earthlink.net writes:


> Would these Planchette puppets be a predecessor to the Appalachian
> Limberjack dolls made to dance on a wooden paddle and also used as musical
> accompaniant?
> 
> Mary
> Mechanicsville, VA.
> 
> 

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