This piece of folk art originated in Indonesia in the second half of the 19th Century is a true gem. The figure is made out of buffalo hide that has been pierced. The puppet is articulated by wood handles that twine thru the figure and give it support.

It is Balinese or Indonesian. You could animate the hands and arms etc., using the sticks. The hands are very graceful and expressive and it has intricate cutwork decoration.

About Indonesian Shadow Puppets:

Wayang kulit, or shadow puppets, are without a doubt the best known of the Indonesian wayang. Kulit means skin, and refers to the leather construction of the puppets that are carefully chiseled with very fine tools and supported with control rods. The stories are usually drawn from the Hindu epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata or from the Serat Menak. The vintage puppets wre used by a dalang or puppeteer in performances during the late 19th and mid-20th century.

Measurements: 14” tall (20” to the end of the handle)

Condition: Very good Antique Condition (please see pictures)

Please feel free to ask any questions.

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