This is a vintage Wayang Golek or Rod Puppet from Java, Indonesia. Hand carved and hand painted wood with attached movable arms and head, adorned with batik dyed textiles. This puppet originates from west Java, where rod puppets are used in traditional puppet theatre (Wayang Golek). Typically performances take place in the village square and open air markets. They celebrate events such as births and weddings and can last all night, or are over several nights. The dalang (puppeteer) is accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and singers. This puppet has a fine Green cap and a long neck that can swivel. The puppeteer can hold the rod that extends from the base of the trunk but more often it is inserted into a base to keep it still during performance. The puppeteer then has his hands free to manipulate the arms and can work two puppets at once.The puppets are carved from soft wood. They are decorated with remnants of cloth, as we see here. The Puppet measures approx 16 inches tall, on small 4 x 4 inch wooden base.

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