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You are here: Textile Techniques > Special Items > Puppets and masks
PUPPETS AND MASKS
We fell in love with Java back in 1983 and have been going back there almost every year since. Each time we try to catch a "wayang kulit" performance.
This is the shadow puppet theatre which Java is famous for. The show may take place in a village shack or in a hall in the Kraton - Sultan's Palace but it will always start at 9 pm and finish at 6 am and follow the same basic pattern.
The stories told come from the epic Hindu dramas the Mahabarata and the Ramayana, although they are intercut with comic strictly Javanese episodes.
One puppeteer works all night manipulating the dozens of puppets which make up a complete set and speaking in their voices. A gamelan orchestra and singers support him throughout the nine hours.
You can sit and watch the shadow show either from behind the screen where you will see the shadows, or from the front behind the dalang - the puppeteer, and the gamelan orchestra. You can also go to sleep for a while, wander off for something to eat or you can join the Javanese in a sweet clove kretek cigarette.
Please note all prices include postage within the UK. If you are outside the UK, postage will be added automatically when you order.
