Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. mid 20th century CE. A set of six Javanese Wayang polychrome wooden stick puppets with fine detailing and exquisite color, carved and painted on both sides. Such puppets are part of the rich Indonesian Wayang tradition. Size: each puppet measures approximately 13.5" W x 24.5" H (34.3 cm x 62.2 cm)

Six excellent puppets, brightly colored, made of wood with painted embellishments. These puppets are used in wayang, a theatrical performance unique to Java that uses puppets and human dancers. This style of theatre has been designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage since 2003. This particular type of puppet - operated by rods connected to the hands - is known as a wayang golek, which today is associated with the Sundanese culture of West Java. This area and the northern part of Java are home to some of the oldest Muslim kingdoms on the island and it is believed that, from the 17th century onward, puppets of this style were used to tell stories of Muslim history; later, it became a way to tell the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabarata. Several types of these puppets i.e. the suket puppet, puppet klitik, Krucil puppets, puppet gedog, and wayang beber are no longer created or used.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#119204

A few puppets with arms and/or rods no longer attached. One missing his nose. Some wear to painted surfaces, but overall still vivid.