Jack Mocker

Explain how, if you were an anthropologist, you would examine the nature of one of the
following, considering which aspects of the event you would pay attention to, and what
conclusions might you come to:
c) an appearance by Jonathan the Husky at a UConn sporting

Mascots, imbued with symbolic meanings and emotional resonance, occupy a unique space
within the realm of sports and cultural identity. As an anthropologist, I embark on an exploration
of Jonathan the Husky, the mascot of the University of Connecticut, during its appearance at a
UConn sporting event. Through meticulous observation, analysis, and interpretation, I aim to
unravel the cultural significance, social dynamics, and emotional connections surrounding this
iconic figure.

The crowd's enthusiastic embrace of Jonathan serves as a testament to the mascot's popularity
and ability to elicit positive emotions. Fans eagerly seek selfies, chant the mascot's name in
unison, and express genuine delight in its presence. This fervent engagement underscores
Jonathan's role as a symbol of unity and shared identity among UConn supporters.

Non-verbal cues exhibited by fans reveal the depth of their emotional attachment to Jonathan.
Broad smiles, animated gestures, and spontaneous laughter accompany the mascot's every
move, indicating a sense of joy, amusement, and pride. These non-verbal expressions
collectively paint a picture of a mascot that resonates deeply with the UConn community.

The spontaneous expressions of joy and surprise that erupt upon Jonathan's appearance
highlight the mascot's capacity to generate positive emotions and create a shared sense of
excitement. These unrestrained expressions underscore the mascot's ability to foster a sense of
camaraderie and belonging among fans, transcending individual differences and uniting them
under a common banner of support.

Jonathan's performance during the event is characterized by a well-crafted routine that includes
energetic dance moves, playful interactions with fans, and enthusiastic gestures. However, the
mascot also demonstrates a remarkable ability to improvise, adapting its routine to the crowd's
reactions and creating unique and memorable moments. This adaptability showcases the
mascot's versatility and its ability to connect with fans on a personal level.

Jonathan's interactions with fans are marked by warmth, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to
connect. The mascot engages with individuals, small groups, and the entire crowd, creating a
sense of intimacy and shared experience. These interactions not only entertain the crowd but
also foster a sense of community and belonging, reinforcing the mascot's role as a symbol of
UConn's pride and unity.

While a direct causal relationship between Jonathan's presence and improved team
performance is difficult to establish, anecdotal evidence suggests that the mascot's appearance
coincides with heightened team morale and fan enthusiasm. Players visibly feed off the energy
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generated by the mascot and the crowd, demonstrating a noticeable increase in intensity and
focus. This observation highlights the mascot's potential to positively influence team dynamics
and contribute to overall success.

As performance, puppetry can sometimes be entertaining theater, sometimes serious

ritual, and sometimes both theater and ritual at the same time. Be prepared to describe
an example of each of these three varieties of puppet performance, and explain how they
function as theater, ritual, or both theater and ritual.

In the realm of puppetry, entertainment takes center stage with the iconic Sam and Friends
show. With its witty sketches, colorful characters, and memorable songs, Sam and Friends
captivated audiences of all ages, setting the stage for Henson's subsequent success with
Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. The show's format was simple yet effective. Henson and
his team of puppeteers brought to life a cast of zany characters, including the ever-optimistic
Sam, the sarcastic Harry the Hipster, and the mischievous Kermit the Frog. These characters
engaged in playful banter, performed musical numbers, and interacted with celebrity guests,
creating a delightful blend of comedy, music, and puppetry.

Sam and Friends' enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend age barriers. Children were
captivated by the show's vibrant visuals and humorous antics, while adults appreciated its clever
satire and witty wordplay. The show's success can also be attributed to Henson's innovative use
of puppetry. His puppets were not mere props but fully realized characters with distinct
personalities and voices, bringing an unprecedented level of realism and emotional depth to the
art form.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from lighthearted entertainment, puppetry can also serve as
a powerful tool for sacred rituals and ceremonies. The Shalako figures of the Zuni Native
American tribe are a prime example of this. These intricately crafted figures, often reaching
heights of over ten feet, are central to the Shalako ceremony, a nine-day ritual held annually to
honor the ancestral spirits and pray for rain and a bountiful harvest.

The Shalako figures represent various deities and supernatural beings, each with its own unique
attributes and symbolism. They are carefully constructed using natural materials such as wood,
feathers, and animal skins, and their elaborate costumes and adornments reflect the profound
spiritual significance they hold. During the ceremony, the Shalako figures are carried in a
solemn procession through the village, accompanied by prayers, chanting, and drumming.

The Shalako ceremony is a sacred and deeply meaningful ritual for the Zuni people. The
Shalako figures serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, carrying the
Jack Mocker

prayers and offerings of the community to the ancestral spirits. Through this elaborate ritual, the
Zuni people honor their traditions, strengthen their connection to the divine, and seek blessings
for the coming year.

In the realm of puppetry, where theater and ritual converge, the Wayang Kulit of Indonesia
stands as a shining example. This ancient form of shadow puppetry has been practiced in Java
and Bali for centuries, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling, beautiful visuals, and
profound spiritual symbolism.

Wayang Kulit performances typically take place in a dedicated theater space, with a white
screen serving as the stage. Behind the screen, the dalang, or puppeteer, manipulates intricate
leather puppets, casting their shadows onto the screen. The puppets, which are often
elaborately carved and painted, represent a wide range of characters, from gods and
goddesses to animals and mythical creatures.
Beyond its entertainment value, Wayang Kulit also serves as a form of ritual and spiritual
expression. The stories and characters depicted in the performances often carry deep spiritual
meanings and moral lessons. Wayang Kulit performances are often held during religious
festivals and ceremonies, and they play an important role in transmitting cultural values and
beliefs from one generation to the next.

Response to puppet performance video (20%). Describe and explain a specific moment of
puppet or object performance in the video assigned, in terms of its effectiveness in
conveying important meaning to an audience. How and why do the objects' design,
movements, and other performance elements help it communicate meaning
successfully?

One important aspect of this puppet performance is the tip jar. When an audience member
decides to put money in the tip jar, not only do they get to show their support for the show and
the artist but they also get to feel more connected with the show. The artist can do an excellent
job of amplifying this, when the little boy tips he makes sure to get a little hi-five from the boy.
Additionally, when the first woman tips he makes a comical but about getting a kiss from her,
this helps make the show more captivating and also helps show the personality of the character.