This puppet represents the character of Srikandi (Shikhandini/Shikandi), in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. In the Javanese adaptation, she was the second wife of Arjuna, the greatest of the Pandava brothers in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, and the daughter of King Drupada, the king of Panchala. She was raised as a man, and was an adventurous female warrior. Although born as a girl, she later becomes a man, Shikhandi, to fullfill a vow. In the Javanese version of the story, however, the character remains a woman.The vast majority of the ‘wayang’ plays performed are drawn from the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata with as well as stories of Javanese origin. 'Wayang kulit' is considered as the highest of the Javanese 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 days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted more recently for television and public education campaigns.
