Wayang: Indonesian Shadow-puppet

Wayang is a form of shadow-puppet theater which uses traditional puppets of Indonesia.

Around the 10th century, the ancient Indian epic poems Mahabharata and Ramayana were introduced together with Hinduism to Indonesia, where they spread among the populace. The epics came to be performed using puppets called Wayang Kulit.

Wayang puppets are cut from water buffalo hide, carved intricately with fine chisels, and decorated in vibrant colors. The sticks for manipulating the puppets are mostly made from water buffalo horn.

The puppeteer, called a dhalang, maneuvers all the puppets in a play, delivers the lines, and even gives directions to the gamelan, an accompanying group of musicians. Although Wayang plays are based on famous epics, they are performed spontaneously through the dhalang’ s improvisations. Performances are carried out through the night.