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This phrase may not be the industry-wide term for this type of design, but for the average reader or new puppeteer, it is an easy way of describing a particular type of puppet.

Yes, most puppets have mouths, but not all puppets are 'mouth puppets'. A 'mouth puppet' is a type of puppet which has a moving or movable mouth, most often used in performances which require the puppet to 'talk'. So as you can see, although many human or animal puppets will have mouths, not all of them will be designed and built with the ability to open and close their mouths.

Generally these days when we think of mouth puppets, we think of The Muppets. And while yes, they are mouth puppets, The Muppets themselves are only one way to design these kinds of puppets. (Sorry for the repetitious use of the 'uppet' sound) In fact, The Muppets are a trademarked design, and it has become a design that new puppeteers try to copy. Here's how to make a muppet-type puppet.

But mouth puppets can also include a range of other designs, from shadow puppets to marionettes, from foam puppet animals to full-bodied muppet-types.

At the right, you can see an example of a mouth puppet. This cat is made of foam, and covered with material. The bottom jaw is a separate jaw piece, which is attached to the sides of the head piece with some elastic. On the top of the jaw (ie. where the tongue would normally rest) is some velcro, which allows the bottom jaw to stick to the top jaw - making the mouth 'closed'. By attaching a small rod to the bottom jaw, you could move the jaw open and closed. (The tongue is actually a separate piece altogether, and does not attach anywhere to the puppet. It is inserted into the gap between the bottom jaw and the head piece)

That's all a mouth puppet is really: a puppet with a bottom jaw that can be moved up and down, independent of the rest of the body or head. These type of puppets are ideal for small to medium venues, outdoors, as well as in TV or film.

Read about how to make one of these puppets here. You may also want to read about muppet-type puppets too.

Did you know? You can now buy moppet eyes for your next puppet build from my online store! Check it out here!

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