| Puppet theatre still thrives as an important folk art in
Indonesia. The word “wayang” means shadow and shadow-puppet plays were traditionally performed in towns and villages on holidays and
festivals. Java’s puppets fall into three main categories. Wayang Kulit; are leather shadow puppets used to perform Indonesian versions of the Indian Hindu
epics. Wayang Klitik are flat wooden puppets that perform the narratives of Javanese Majapahit Empire
heroes. Those shown here are Wayang Golek, used to perform the Hindu cycles and also an Islamic Arabian adventure
cycle. A dalang, or puppet master, manipulates the puppets, speaks their
parts, and coordinates the puppets' actions with the music. |
