This puppet depicts a 'naga' or sea serpent in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. In the Hindu mythology, the 'naga' is associated with water, from which first forms of life originates. The vast majority of the ‘wayang’ plays performed are drawn from the two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata with few stories of Javanese origin performed as a way of dealing with some mythic events.''Wayang kulit' is considered as 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 days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted for television and public education campaigns.
