Inside the Puppet Box

Indonesian wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance is one of the oldest and greatest story telling traditions in the world and lies close to the heart of Javanese culture. These flat puppets, made from water buffalo hide, are elaborately decorated and perforated to cast spectacular shadows when used in performance. Performances are usually based on classical literature with contemporary issues incorporated into particular scenes, and are always accompanied by a gamelan orchestra. Wayang kulit is a highly refined art form that has been performed in Java for hundreds of years. An art of and for the people, wayang kulit remains a popular and significant form of cultural expression to this day. This book explores various aspects of Central Javanese wayang kulit and describes a collection of gold and bronze leaf Surakarta-style wayang kulit including over 200 wayang characters. Each character is identified by name and briefly introduced. Overall, they represent a contemporary set of wayang kulit intended for performance--a glimpse inside the puppet box. Felicia Katz-Harris is the curator of Asian and Middle Eastern folk art at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.