Male figure in traditional Javanese attire
Accession Nr.: | 53.216.1 |
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Type: | carving; textile arts |
Date of production: |
late 19th century
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Place of production: |
Materials/Techniques: | carved, painted wood, batik textile |
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Dimensions: | height: 24 cm width: 16 cm |
A cross-legged wooden figure dressed in a sarong and matching headdress made using waxed (batik) technique. On his belt is the generally wavy-edged dagger (Indonesian: kris), an indispensable part of Javanese costume, which is believed to have magical powers. This small-sized wooden doll with its attire gives an accurate picture of the multifaceted function of Javanese folk costume, which, as a ceremonial costume, is still a dominant identity-forming element in the life of the islanders.