Automata
Automata
An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine. The word is sometimes used to describe a robot, more specifically an autonomous robot. The reference may also be to life-size Automaton figures, worked automatically through wires, gears, ropes, steam or by someone inside the huge puppets. Popular in the 19th century, though much older than that.
The Automata, a theatre company
A puppet company under Mr W.F.H. Parker. which visited South Africa between 1837 and 1848. In 1837 they impressed Cape Town audiences with the huge, life-size Automaton figures. It “worked automatically through wires, ropes, steam” or someone inside the huge puppets. It was one of the first recorded puppet displays in Cape Town.
Sources
Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automaton
Bosman, 1928: pp
Fletcher, 1994
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