Shadow Puppet Item Number: Ib365 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Shadow puppet of cured hide pressed flat; depicts a humanoid, demonic figure. Hair is flowing outwards and down the back is black. Yellow and red headband goes across forehead and around ear. Head is positioned to 3/4 view. Eyes are crossed. Mouth has fangs and is breathing red flames on to right knee and foot. Naked from waist up, showing hanging breasts and rounded stomach. Wears a blue sarong with a fine black stripe tied at waist by a red sash with a fine black stripe. Punched through designs of circles and lines. Painted both sides. Right arm swings free from shoulder and is bound with a coarse fibre cord.
History Of Use
Shadow puppets are used in the wayang kulit a sacred and early form of Javanese puppetry.
Iconographic Meaning
The demonic figure Durga is depicted by wild hair, fangs, 3/4 head angle, ear ornament and hanging breasts. Red skin tones indicate vindictiveness, cruelty, ruthlessness, greed, treachery and coarse appetites.
Cultural Context
shadow play
Item History
- Made in Java, Indonesia
- Owned by J. Ettema
- Owned by B.C. Provincial Museum before November 10, 1976
- Received from B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution) on November 10, 1976
What
Who
- Culture
- Javanese
- Previous Owner
- J. Ettema and B.C. Provincial Museum
- Received from
- B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Java, Indonesia
When
- Ownership Date
- before November 10, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on November 10, 1976
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0340/0001