Indonesia - Puppet Show in Java (Wayang Kulit)

The shadow play or Wayang Kulit of Java employs delicately carved and painted puppets

Photo: Pitoyo S.
2013

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UNESCO designated wayang kulit, a shadow puppet theatre and the best known of the Indonesian wayang, as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7 November 2003.

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Shadow play or also known as shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment which uses flat figures (shadow puppets), a light source and a translucent screen to create the impression of movement.

Various effects can be achieved by moving both the puppets and the light source. A talented puppeteer can make the figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod and laugh.