Wayang Kulit: Indonesian Shadow-Puppet Theater
-
Wayang Kulit: Dewi Banowati, 20th–21st century (Gift of Mr. Matsumoto Ryo)
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
July 23, 2019 (Tue) - October 20, 2019 (Sun)Wayang Kulit is a traditional form of shadow-puppet theater in Indonesia.
Around the 10th century, Hinduism along with its accompanying epics the Mahabharata and the Ramayana were introduced to Indonesia from India. As the epics spread through Indonesia, they were adopted as the storylines for Wayang Kulit plays.
The puppets used in Wayang Kulit are cut from water bu alo hide, carved intricately with ne chisels, and decorated in vibrant colors. The sticks for manipulating the puppets are mostly made from water bu alo horn.
Wayang Kulit plays typically last all night. The puppeteer, called a dhalang, maneuvers all the puppets, delivers all the lines, and even cues the accompanying musicians (gamelan). Although they are based on famous epics, performances are not strictly scripted and include the dhalang’s improvisations.
Exhibit includes:
Wayang Kulit: Raden Arjuna, 20th century (Gift of Mr. Matsumoto Ryo)
Wayang Kulit: Dewi Wara Srikandi, Second half of 20th century (Gift of Mr. Taeda Tsuyoshi)
Wayang Kulit: Dewi Banowati, 20th–21st century (Gift of Mr. Matsumoto Ryo)
Wayang Kulit: Adipati Karna, Second half of 20th century (Gift of Mr. Taeda Tsuyoshi)