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Cultural Context

Theatrical performance.

Description

Three-dimensional male humanoid figure (part a); large head (part b) and jointed arms attached to controlling rods. There is a single controlling rod that is pointed (part c). There is an oval-shaped cloth piece with green sequences and brown scalloped edging around it (part d). Red bib-like red cloth Green face (positioned downwards) with wedge shaped nose, bulging white eyes with red irises, red lips and exposed white teeth. Hair, sideburns, moustache, facial detail in black. Note lack of tear shaped detail on cheek. Large headdress in green, gold, red, grey, and black: large rear-facing Garuda Mungkur (short-tongued) with siyung jawi, two badong, long sumping and diadem. Neck and torso gold: body corpulent with large chest and belly. Gold and red arm ornaments at wrist and bicep of each arm. Hands held flat and bent back at wrist. Red chest covering and apron with brown wavy trim, cross shaped pattern in sequins and beads. Apron has red waistband and yellow fringe at bottom. Large batik skirt in beige, purple, and blue.

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. Suyudana is one of the predominant Kurawa brothers; he is a prince (raden) found in the Mahabharata cycle of plays which concerns the conflict between the Pandawa brothers and their usurpers, the Kurawas. Although he fights with his evil brothers, he is known for his honour and bravery.

Iconographic Meaning

Each puppet is characterized by its wanda, a Javanese word which describes the specific mixture of elements of size, form, colour, ornamentation and carving. Colour and position of face suggest maturity and calmness; red eyes and bulging features indicate both lack of refinement and violent nature. Corpulent body unrefined. Clothing, arm ornaments, and headdress suggest wealth or rank. Headdress, face type (Bima), and colour identify character as Suyudana. Slight variation in headdress.