This puppet represents the character Pak Dogol in the ‘Wayang Siam’ or Siamese drama, a form of shadow puppet theatre in Kelantan. He is the chief deity from the abode of gods who disguised himself to observe the world of men. Along with Wak Long, they fill the roles of clowns. The principal story of the ‘Wayang Siam’ is based on one of the Malay renditions of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana known as ‘Hikayat Maharaja Wana’ (Maharaja Wana’s Tale), the other being the literary ‘Hikayat Seri Rama’ (Seri Rama’s Tale). Extensions or branch stories of the Ramayana, developed locally, were also performed.‘Wayang Siam’ was mainly performed in the villages in Kelantan. Traditionally, it was performed for ritual purposes such as the fulfilment of a vow, the initiation of a student puppeteer or for the salutations to one’s teacher. The main purpose for performance today is entertainment.
