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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 people Indian spiritual values by use of myths and legends from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. After 1945 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 conferring benefits on the individual and community. Symbolism of 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 lakons and gives food, incense, or money to puppeteer (dalang). Men can see puppets behind stage, women are only allowed to see the shadows. Each puppet's character is represented symbolically by its appearance and placement on stage. Evil characters are placed to the left and good characters to the right on stage. All variations indicate how refined or crude the puppet character is. Monkey general is Hanuman from Hindu epic Ramayana, helps Rama in adventures and in fighting against wicked Dasamuka.

Iconographic Meaning

Monkey indicates the character of Hanuman.

Cultural Context

Theatrical performance.

Description

Javanese Wayang Kulit puppet of monkey general. Brown pudgy body with red face, red and white eyes, open mouth with red teeth. Curling black beard and hair; feet set wide apart on red base. Wears yellow, blue, red, headdress; bracelets on wrists and ankles and on upper arms. Necklace extending to waist. Bare upper torso. Wears checked black and white skirt with red lines, blue, green, black, white, flounces going down legs and between legs onto base. Plastic rivets on elbows and shoulders. Green stick ties horn to hands. Support stick goes from head, down body and extends further to a carved pointed end. Paint faded or peeled off in areas. Three fingers missing on one hand. A bird is on hat, and one on his waist sash.