Accession Nr.: 99.27.1
Type: puppetry and shadow play
Date of production:
late 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: painted hide, keratin
Dimensions: height: 87 cm
Wayang kulit (shadow play) puppet. Originally wayang kulit was not only an entertainment related to feast, but also a ritual in the honour of personified ancestors. The first mention of shadow plays can be found in 11th century Javanese court literature, notably in the "Marriage of Arjuna". This artistic performance staged with gamelan musical accompaniment is widely popular even now.