wayang golek (Rod Puppet)

Javanese puppetry as an art form probably developed by the 11th century. The three-dimensional wooden wayang golek puppets of western Java appeared during the 16th century. Originally the plays depicted Javanese mythology, but after the Indian conquest of Java the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, were incorporated into the cycles, which comprise about 200 plays. An individual or group hires a dalang (puppet-master) to celebrate important occasions. The performances often last all night and are generally presented in three acts, with vocal and instrumental accompaniment. The individual plays vary widely in detail but usually involve conflict between good and evil. They serve a moral and religious purpose, and more recently, one of political commentary. Each puppet's character is represented by its appearance and placement onstage; protagonists with strong elements of good are placed to the right, antagonists of violent or evil nature to the left. Kumbakarna appears in the Ramayana cycle, which details the life of Rama and his travels. He would appear to the left of the stage with the evil players. Ogres are considered foreigners, although they are an indigenous Javanese adaptation of the Hindu epics upon which the plays are based. The appear most commonly in scenes in foreign lands, or as allies of the evil antagonists in battle.

Theatrical performance.

Light red face, large body, big eyes with red irises, opposing fangs, protruding upper teeth, bare chest, blunt nose and kendit are all distinguishing features of Kumbakarna, also known as Umbakarna and Ambaarna. He is the third son of Begawan Biswara and Dewi Suke; brother of Sarpakanka, Wibisana and Rawana (king of the island of Alengka, said to be Ceylon/Sri Lanka), and father of Kumba-Kumba and Aswanikumba. His large size, robust torso, and bare chest indicate that he is an ogre (rakshasa). His red face shows a tendency to aggressiveness; direct gaze considered forthright but impious. Type of fangs may indicate the puppet is from the Jakarta area. Although most ogres are coarse or unrefined, Kumbakarna is thought to exemplify the virtue of loyalty, perhaps more than any other character.

Large humanoid figure in three parts: body (part a), head (part b), and controlling rod (part c). Light red face has wide nose; white staring eyes with red irises; black moustache and beard, eyebrows. Teardrop shape outlined in black on each cheek. Wide red mouth, white teeth, small fangs. Black hair, side on right chipped; kendit under each ear. Red, conical mahkota has gold jamang, badong; gold karawista has green, red, white horizontal stripes. Small gold sumping has white, black, red green arrow shapes pointing to ear. Also, feather like extensions top and bottom. Green Garuda Mungkur has white tooth, eyes, red utah-utah. Light red body has rounded belly, incised chest, black navel, nipples. Light green kain has plaid drawstring. Light red arms have ornaments at biceps and wrists. Pencil mark on wrist at left: 'Batm aka'. Hands point backward and down when arms in natural position. Chipped paint on face, arms and hands. Operating rod unpainted, spear shaped; fits through body, turns head.