Award-winning UK jewelry artist Elsa Tierney has crafted the "Skia" Marionette Necklace, a fully functional kinetic puppet that doubles as wearable art and a poseable shadow puppet.
The engineering is impressive, featuring an articulated sterling silver human form with tiny, hand-soldered links that allow it to move seamlessly. The puppet hangs from intricate control chains crafted in 18kt gold or sterling silver, depending on the custom order. Tierney uses traditional lost-wax casting and hand-carving techniques to achieve this flawless blend of fine art and silversmithing.
The name "Skia" stems from Greek roots meaning shadow. Inspired by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, the concept originated during Tierney's fine art studies, depicting a shadow puppet that cuts its own strings to gain independence. It serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and empowerment.