Rod Puppet Item Number: Ib355 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A three-dimensional male humanoid figure puppet. Has a large head and jointed arms attached to controlling rods. Head is canted upwards. The pink face has bulging eyes with red irises, a wide triangular nose, prominent upper teeth, and red lips. Facial hair (sideburns, beard) and other details are painted in black. Hairnet is in the Javanese style in black with white detail. Neck and arms are pink with the hands held straight out. Wearing a green close-fitting jacket that has a loose collar with a plaid skirt in yellow, red, blue, green, and other colours.
History Of Use
Javanese puppetry as an art form probably developed by the 11th century. Wayang golek puppets of western Java appeared during the 16th century. Originally the plays depicted Javanese mythology, but after the Indian conquest of Java the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, were incorporated into the cycles, which comprise about 200 plays. A dalang (puppet master) performs the plays to celebrate important occasions, usually in three acts, with vocal and instrumental accompaniment. Typically they serve a moral and religious purpose, and more recently, one of political commentary. Puppet is undistinguished character, who might be cast in various roles as needed by the dalang, such as servant, official, or minor noble.
Cultural Context
Theatrical performance.
Iconographic Meaning
Each puppet is characterized by it's wanda, a Javanese word which describes the specific mixture of elements of size, form, colour, ornamentation and carving. Colour of face and eyes are negative features implying aggressiveness or assertiveness. Position of face and eyes is irreverent. Large facial features unrefined. Hairnet not a strictly traditional feature. Both hands held straight out is unusual; associated with resi (holy men or seers). Character not identified; the ambiguity of his features suggests that he might appear in minor roles in the service of good or evil characters.
Item History
- Made in Java, Indonesia
- Owned by Tradewind Antiques before March 15, 1983
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Tradewind Antiques (Seller) on March 15, 1983
What
Who
- Culture
- Sundanese
- Previous Owner
- Tradewind Antiques
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Tradewind Antiques (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Java, Indonesia
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 15, 1983
- Acquisition Date
- on March 15, 1983
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0886/0089