#puppet pieces

"Screen-used Mystics feet from The Dark Crystal. (Universal, 1982) Pair of screen-used Mystics feet from The Dark Crystal. The Mystics are the hunchbacked race of gentle bird-like beings. The foam latex feet feature prominent toes and have integral Kung-Fu slippers and wooden soles allowing the actor to move around in the costume comfortably. They measure 19 in. long and are handwritten inside the slippers with the actors' names. Exhibit only slight wear; otherwise, Very good condition."

PODLING HANDS! These little guys have been sold A LOT, at least as far as props go! Their first appearance is on Heritage Auctions, May 14, 2011.

They then appear on YourProps.com!

With this listing description, which is the same as the original 2011 listing; "Three screen-used podling hands from The Dark Crystal. (Universal, 1982) Trio of screen-used podling hands, with trademark two fingers and thumb, from The Dark Crystal. Included are a pair of hands built of foam latex over wire armatures. The hands measure 3 ½ in. long (7 ¼ in. with armature)  In addition, a single left hand cast in rubberized foam measuring 6 ¼ in. long."

No word on when this listing went up, but presumably they were purchased from Heritage Auctions in 2011.

But this would not be the last time they were sold! They went back on Heritage Auctions on December 10th, 2025

There's that case! It's been slightly rearranged in there! The plaque has been moved, and the largest hand is facing a different direction.

The latest Heritage Auction listing goes as follows;

"The Dark Crystal (Universal, 1982), Group of (3) Podling Puppet Hands. Original group of (3) puppet hands meticulously detailed with veins, wrinkles, and molded fingernails by the skilled artists at The Jim Henson Company. Includes (1) left hand measuring 6.5" x 3" constructed of foam rubber painted with green and brown tones, and (2) matching brown left and right hands measuring 6" x 2.5" and 7.5" x 2" constructed of foam rubber with internal wire substructures allowing for posing. Wired hands display remnants of cloth strips attached to the wrists. All hands have been expertly stabilized by Tom Spina Designs so to prevent further deterioration to the foam. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal offered audiences a darker fantasy outing than Henson was previously known for, full of memorable creature designs and puppeteering. Among these fantastical creations were the peaceful master gardeners known as Podlings. Also included with the lot is a 4-piece custom display stand measuring 11" x 10" x 7" crafted from resin and acrylic with a 2.75" x 2" sign reading "The Dark Crystal Original Podling Hands, 1982". Pieces display production aging and wear with evidence of deterioration throughout including the fingertips prior to stabilization process. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions."

And here you can find a blogpost from Tom Spina Designs, who preserved the props!

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction - London - 2019

Garthim Master Skeksis Head Cast - Sold on Propstore.com, Oct 14, 2019

"A head cast of the Skeksis Garthim Master from Jim Henson and Frank Oz's fantasy film The Dark Crystal. The Garthim Master was the successor to the Emperor of the Skeksis clan, winning the title over the Chamberlain.

Head casts were used as tests for the actual pieces used on screen. This head cast is made of fiberglass with a layer of grey paint lacquer, and comes with a seperate lower jaw piece. Mounted on a custom-made display, the lot shows wear from production use and aging, including chips and small holes throughout. Dimensions (display): 36 cm x 29 cm x 16 cm (14" x 11 1/4" 6 1/4")"

Master Bird Snake is the brigadier of birds. A skilled leader and tactician of the skies, he has seen and taken part in his share of dogfights.

Small Imaginings is a collection of puppets and puppet pieces, where you can print and play or download and design. We are a community of artists, animators, puppeteers, parents with kids, and kids at heart.  

Whether you are playing with a pre-made puppet kit or piecing your own characters together for an animated story Small Imaginings has all supplies you need available for free.

  Although we are not live yet, please download a small sample of what we offer, see post below. Download either the puppet one sheet of Francois the Flying Fish or the Photoshop file of Francois and start playing.

Don't forget to check back and download the rest of Francois's story kit and don't forget to share with the rest of the community.