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History Of Use

Javanese wayang kulit puppetry developed in 10th century. Originated in ritualistic ceremonies. Plays of wayang kulit, called purwa, depict legendary history of Java and give visual form to the mythic forefathers of Javanese rulers. After conquest by India, used to teach Indian spiritual values through myths and legends from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. After 1945, they depicted Indonesian independence, teaching people ideals and aims of a new nation. Performance seen as powerful, everyone present is protected from evil forces, seen as religious rite, triumph of good over evil. Vocal and instrumental accompaniment, to plays (lakons). Presented to celebrate events in family or personal life: a wedding, seventh month of a pregnancy, a circumcision, celebration of the anniversary of the death of a family member, and in fulfillment of a vow offered for the granting of some special favour. Communal benefit, especially in connection with agriculture. Usually sponsor chooses the lakons and gives food, incense, or money to puppeteer (dalang). Men can see puppets behind stage women only shadows. Each puppet's character is represented symbolically by its appearance and placement on stage. Evil character's to left, good to right on stage.

Cultural Context

Theatrical performance.

Description

Javanese Wayang (shadow) Kulit (leather) puppet of man wearing elaborate crown and outfit. Upper torso bare except for floral pink and red sashes that connect to crown. Large trousers go from hips to knees, highly decorated in pink, blue, and green, and gold leaf all over. Feet together on a red platform. Plastic rivets at shoulder and elbows. Support stick goes from head all down body into point attached by white string half way to end of horn stick curved. Arm sticks also black attached to hands with white string.