Wayang puppet ('buta')

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 66.67.1
Type: puppetry and shadow play; carving; textile arts
Date of production:
second half of the 19th century − early 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: carved, painted wood, batik textile
Dimensions: height: 84 cm
Wayang golek purwa puppet from Ernő Zboray's Collection. The rod puppet was repainted at the end of the 20's. It depicts a buta ("people of the woods") which is a general expression of the wayang used for the different, demon-like creatures. Their appereance shows strenght; generally they look ugly and frightening.