SHADOW PUPPETS

Shadow Puppets or Wayang Kulit are flat leather puppets placed between a flame and a white screen to create an illusion of moving lights and shadows where an epical story is told to the audience often involving a hero, a princess, demons, challenges and battles.
Gamelan music is played and matches the actions of the characters on stage creating a magical ambience. The Kayon is the tree puppet that marks the starting and finishing points of the shadow puppet show and is also used in between major episodes. The Dalang is an experienced puppeteer who moves the sticks while he talks to bring the Shadow Puppets to life. Although traditional Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppet designs have remained almost unchanged for centuries there are variations in style between different regions of Java and also Bali and Lombok.
Groups of craftsmen work together for several days to elaborate the shadow puppets that will be used in performances. First the outline of the figure to be created is drawn on a piece of skin. Small holes are perforated and details carved using fine tools. Then the shadow puppets are smoothed and painted. Finally arms, hands, lips and other parts that can be moved are added and the central stick that holds the body is mounted.
In Bali Shadow Puppet performances are staged at ceremonies and special occasions and there are offerings made of flowers, food and incense to try to gain protection from evil spirits.

 

 

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