Taiwan Spectacle Art: Cù-sìdhe (Fairy Dog)

This was a Fairy dog puppet I made while I was Taiwan for my work experience in college during 3rd year. It was used in an Irish parade for the local community.
It was based on the Irish mythological creature called the ‘Cù-sìdhe’ / Fairy dog or hound. The Cu-sidhe is described as being the size of a young bull, but with the appearance of a dog. It has a shaggy coat of fur, which is usually a dark-green colour, though it is occasionally white. The ‘Cù-sìdhe’ was feared as a bringer of death and would appear to bear away the soul of a person to the afterlife. In this role, it holds a function similar to that of the ‘Bean Sidhe’ (Banshee) in Irish folklore. It was said that even the mere sight of one of these creatures would bring the observer bad luck while speaking or touching one usually meant certain death. If it is treated with sufficient courtesy and compassion, however, a fairy hound can occasionally bring the observer good fortune.

Materials were: Bamboo, polystyrene, paper mache, fabrics and fairy lights.
This was a great learning curve as I was pushed out of my comfort zone to use materials I've never thought of and learning new technics such as Cutting Bamboo.
I'd go back in a heartbeat!!