Inside the Puppet Box: A Performance Collection of Wayang Kulit at the Museum of International Folk Art

by Felicia Katz-Harris

Overview

Indonesian wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance is one of the oldest and greatest storytelling 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 performances that are usually based on classical literature with contemporary issues incorporated into particular scenes, and are always accompanied by a gamelon orchestra. An art of and for the people, wayang kulit remains a popular and significant form of cultural expression to this day.

This book describes a collection of gold and bronze leaf Surakarta-style wayang kulit including over 200 wayang characters, which are identified by name and briefly introduced, providing a glimpse inside the puppet box.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780295990743
Publisher:	Museum of International Folk Art
Publication date:	10/15/2010
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 12.00(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface / Dr. Suyanto, S.Kar., MA

Inside the Puppet Box / Felicia Katz-Harris

From the Collection

-Simpingan Kanan

-Simpingan Kiri

-Dhudhahan I

-Dhudhahan II

Bibliography

Index