Giant mechanical puppet of Cornish miner exists and it's weirdly fantastic

LONDON -- What better way to celebrate a "tinth" anniversay than creating a giant puppet resembling a Cornish miner?

Man Engine (that's its name) has embarked on a 130-mile journey across the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the region's UNESCO heritage status.

On July 13, 2006, select mining landscapes across Cornwall and west Devon were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credit: Getty Images / matt cardy

The 10-metre (32.8 foot) tall structure began its march in Tavistock, Devon on Monday, and will end its journey in west Cornwall on August 6 at the Geevor Tin Mine.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

When drawn to its full height, Man Engine stands at three times the height of a double decker bus, reportedly making it the largest mechanical puppet in the UK. When in "crawling" mode, it reaches a height of 4.5 metres (14.8ft).

Man Engine at his unveiling in Tavistock, Devon. Credit: Getty Images / matt cardy

The puppet is operated by more than a dozen "miners" and "bal-maidens" tasked with accompanying the steam-powered giant to 10 different historically significant locations throughout the world heritage site.

Man Engine was dreamed up by Will Coleman, founder of Golden Tree Productions, and gets its name from the device used in mines to assist workers in moving between different levels.

If Man Engine is any indication, we have high hopes for what the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site has planned for anniversaries to come.