wayang kulit (Shadow Puppet)

About this object

History of use

Wayang kulit was established on Bali, when the Hindu Majapahit Court moved there in the 16th century, from neighbouring Java, after the first Islamic sultanate had been established. A dynamic living art, over the centuries, Balinese wayang kulit has developed its own distinctive aesthetic, with more realistic looking human characters. The stories performed are frequently drawn from the Mahabharata, with an extensive cast of gods, heroes, villains, ogres and demons.

Iconographic meaning

The use of colour is highly symbolic: it communicates the personalities and qualities of the puppets. Kresna (an avatar of Wisnu) is first painted white to characterize his spiritual purity, and then painted either green or blue, which symbolizes intelligence, harmony and courage. In contrast, Bima, the second Pandhawa brother, is painted red; a colour associated with tempestuousness, boldness and strength.

Physical description

A shadow puppet of a stylized figure, representing the character Bhattara Guru. White face with black hair, moustache, and curly goatee. Has four white arms. Wearing an elaborate red, green, and blue on gold-coloured clothing with a cut out design. Standing on an oval blue mat. One central horn stick along the centre, attached with cording, slit vertically along both sides, and curving at the top.