archive-object-reference

REFERENCE : MTM.2009.0010.0259

• OBJECT_HEIGHT : 760 mm ( 2'5" in )
• OBJECT_WIDTH : 250 mm ( 0'9" in )
• OBJECT_LENGTH : 330 mm ( 1'0" in )
• OBJECT_WEIGHT : 2730 g ( 6.02 lb )

• OBJECT_REF : MTM.2009.0010.0259
• OBJECT_NAME_EN : Miner A.I
• EVENT_NAME_EN : Cuca Macuca Lenheiras
• OBJECT_TYPOLOGY_EN : puppet / mixed technique / mixed technique
• OBJECT_DATE : 2009
• OBJECT_STORAGE_REF : MT7A

OBJECT_MATERIAL_EN :

body/volume | polystyrene, MDF
head | polystyrene, paper dough
hands | hammer
paint | acrylic paint
joints | castors, steel spring, aluminum

OBJECT_ARTISTS_EN :

• direction | José Caldas
• art direction | enVide neFelibata
• creation | enVide neFelibata
• electrical | João Abreu

OBJECT_DESCRIPTION_EN :

As a sculptural object, we wanted to combine it with the idea of a working machine, the wagon that transported material from the inside of the mine tunnels. The helmet with a lighting system reminds us of the darkness inside those tunnels. The open mouth also indicates the difficulty of breathing the heavy air that was experienced inside the mines at that time.

The traces and lines defined by the sculpture along the figure accentuate this side of digging into the rock, of tearing up the earth.

This puppet is manipulated both by means of rods on its head and torso and directly by the puppeteer's hand interacting with its arms.

OBJECT_CONTEXT_EN :

The creation of this puppet stemmed from a desire to understand and represent the identity of the miners of São Pedro da Cova, in Gondomar.

The story to which this puppet belongs deals with the women miners who lived off their work at the entrance and exit of the mines, mainly separating the coal from the gravel. Expressions such as “they came from the mine with their hearts and lungs embroidered in black” serve as a metaphor for the deterioration of these men's health and indicate how painfully many of them ended up perishing, as well as alluding to the filigree heart of the Gondomar region.