They are called Muppets - takes 2 people (usually) to operate.
The first marionete puppets were made in Germany in the 1600's to entertain King George IIV.
There is another new shop, which offers original marionettes and puppets directly from Czech artist:axamarionettes.com puppetcorner.com/marionette.cz/home.phptambotoys.com/puppets-marionettes
only in the Hollywood mall in Cali
You can buy all 5 on the Internet ,new in the boxes for $47.50