The Wayang Kulit is mystical two-dimensional shadow puppets that have entertained the people in Indonesia for generations. In the past, these traditional puppet shows were the most popular form of entertainment.
Today it is still particularly popular in Java and Bali. ‘Wayang’ means puppet while ‘Kulit’ means skin in Indonesian.
The puppets are made out of goatskin leather and their details are securely cut and punched in order to create a clear expression in their silhouettes. Once attached to bamboo sticks and placed between the white screen and oil lamp, the puppets become alive…
The master of the puppets
The master who gives the puppets their character and voice is called the Dalang. A Dalang has undergone intense training before he is allowed to perform at a shadow puppet theatre as he must know all the stories like no other.
Additionally, he must be able to give his own creative touch to the stories through humor, playfulness, and mysticism. Plays can last a whole night long. Only when he is able to perform these skills will he receive the reputation of an excellent puppet master…
Together with his traditional Gamelan orchestra and his assistance, the Dalang is able to create a magnificent show. Usually, it displays the famous Hindu epic stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
During the show, the Dalang can choose from around 60 different types of puppets who all have their own character and soul.
Good faces Evil
There are two groups of puppets that represent good and evil. The Alus always has a fine character and is sensitive, while the Kasar is more vulgar and aggressive.
The good guys always stand on the right of the screen, while the bad guys stand on the opposite. Always in balance, like many aspects of the Hindu religion. Another prominent puppet in the show is the Kayonan, the tree of life. It appears in the beginning and at the end of the show.
Additionally the Kayonan is always present during important acts, in the form of fire, water or wind creating a mystical and turbulent touch. Other important characters are the servants. These puppets can be easily distinguished from the other main characters as they are always big-bellied and look funny, while the other puppets are more graceful.
Additionally, the servants can actually move their jaws. They translate the vocals sang by the Dalang which is important as the puppets can only be expressed through the ancient Sanskrit language ‘Kawi’.
Kawi is a language that the Balinese people don’t speak but know. Many have learned it by heart by watching the puppet performances since childhood. Through repetition, they immediately know how the stories go and which puppet represents who.
The Dalang is considered a priest, as he can speak Kawi and despite the simplicity of the show, it is actually amazing how one person can create such a magical spectacle
Colorful puppets
When you walk around the shops, market or workshops and you see all the shadow puppets you might wonder why they are so beautifully painted. You won’t see the colours during the show.
However, the Balinese consider each puppet to have a soul. Consequently, it must be decorated as beautifully as possible. The colorings also reflect the type of character and role of each puppet.
For instance, in the Ramayana epic, the noble Rama is green because he is considered to be the incarnation of Wisnu, the god of life and preservation. His wife Sita is cream-colored. This indicates modesty, refinement, and beauty. Rawana, the evil one is large, hairy and has bulging eyes. The puppet is red which symbolizes uncontrolled passion.
Either way, when buying a puppet the only thing that counts is that you choose one you think is the most beautiful or funny…
Sukawati is the village known for its best puppet makers and masters. They travel through Bali to perform their skills.
Purchasing or experiencing more of the Wayang Kulit
If you want to buy a puppet, the best thing you can do is to visit the workshop of a puppet maker. Usually, he has a large selection of puppets displayed. He is also willing to explain more about the process of making this Balinese craft. Expect to pay around Rp500.000 for a good quality puppet (medium size) made out of genuine goat or buffalo leather.
If you want the full experience you can also make a shadow puppet yourself. At the Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud Indonesia (+62 361 971159/ 975136) they offer a 2-day course in which you will learn the function of the puppets and you will make a puppet yourself.
Once a week a wayang performance is also held in Ubud. It is a very small theater but the ambiance is good and you will have the feeling you kind of joined something really special.