Wayang Kulit

An ancient tradition
Wayang kulit are ancient traditional shadow puppets made of leather. Wayang means shadow and kulit means puppet. Shadow puppet shows are traditionally performed at occasions such as birthdays, reunions, but also just for entertainment. They date back to the 10th century. The stories are generally based on Hindu mythology and legends or on Indonesian folk tales.

Puppet characters
There are always good and bad characters in the puppet show. The puppets that are the good characters have sharp noses and narrow eyes, and their heads are bowed slightly. Those that are the bad characters have round eyes, big noses and sharp teeth.

Performance
The shows last for hours, accompanied by a gamelan orchestra. The puppeteer, called dalang, provides all the voices. The dalang kneels behind a screen and holds the puppets close to the screen. There is a light behind the dalang so that the puppets are seen by the audience as shadows on the screen.

The puppets
The puppets are flat. They are made from water buffalo leather. The head, body and legs are all one piece, and the long arms are movable, attached to thin bamboo sticks. The head, legs and feet are always sideways. The shoulders and body face the front. The clothing is decorated with patterned holes, which let the light through.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
A Trip to Indonesia (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated 17 February, 2001