Shadow Puppet
Item number Ib445 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
A shadow puppet of a stylized figure, representing the character Bhattara Guru. White face with black hair, moustache, and curly goatee. Has four white arms. Wearing an elaborate red, green, and blue on gold-coloured clothing with a cut out design. Standing on an oval blue mat. One central horn stick along the centre, attached with cording, slit vertically along both sides, and curving at the top.
History Of Use
Wayang kulit was established on Bali, when the Hindu Majapahit Court moved there in the 16th century, from neighbouring Java, after the first Islamic sultanate had been established. A dynamic living art, over the centuries, Balinese wayang kulit has developed its own distinctive aesthetic, with more realistic looking human characters. The stories performed are frequently drawn from the Mahabharata, with an extensive cast of gods, heroes, villains, ogres and demons.
Iconographic Meaning
The use of colour is highly symbolic: it communicates the personalities and qualities of the puppets. Kresna (an avatar of Wisnu) is first painted white to characterize his spiritual purity, and then painted either green or blue, which symbolizes intelligence, harmony and courage. In contrast, Bima, the second Pandhawa brother, is painted red; a colour associated with tempestuousness, boldness and strength.
Item History
- Made by I Wayan Nartha (Maker) in Sukawati, Bali, Indonesia before September 1989
- Collected by Dominique Major
- Owned by Dominique Major before October 17, 1989
- Received from Dominique Major (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on October 17, 1989
What
- Name
- Shadow Puppet
- Identification Number
- Ib445
- Type of Item
- puppet
- Material
- water buffalo skin, gold metal, synthetic fibre, paint and horn
- Overall
- height 62.8 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 1.6 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sukawati, Bali, Indonesia
Who
- Culture
- Balinese
- Creator
- I Wayan Nartha (Maker)
- Field Collector
- Dominique Major
- Previous Owner
- Dominique Major
- Received from
- Dominique Major (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
When
- Creation Date
- before September 1989
- Ownership Date
- before October 17, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on October 17, 1989
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1374/0021
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