Shadow puppet, Durjudana

Title
Shadow puppet, Durjudana
Year/Period
20th century
Region
Java, Indonesia
Material
Dimension
Object size: H87.3cm
Accession No.
XXXX-05371
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Suwanda Suna

This character depicts Durjudana (Duryodhana) from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. He was the eldest son of the blind king, Dhritarashtra and the eldest of the one hundred Kaurava brothers. He was also the arch enemy of the Pandavas. Mahabharata and Ramayana are among the popular wayang stories ‘wayang kulit’, or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition.Wayang kulit is considered the highest of the performing arts. Performed in the royal courts of Java as early as the ninth century, this tradition continues to be treasured as one of the pusaka or sacred heirlooms of the court. Wayang kulit is traditionally performed on ritual feast days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted for television and public education campaigns.