To convert

Secrets of Bali

by Jonathan Copeland

with
Ni Wayan Murni

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Wayang Menak refers to the stories, not the form of the puppets. The Menak tales are newer than the epics and relate to the arrival of Islam in Java in the 14th and 15th centuries.

According to the tale, the Serat Menak, 9 holy men brought Islam to Java. The main character is the hero Prabu Menak, who is also called Amir Hamzah, the uncle of Muhammed.

The head, arms and hands move. Underneath the very fine, colorful, old batik garments is the wooden rod, which is the puppet's central support. The faces are detailed and expressive.

Notice the eyes. Male eyes have the top part of the eye curved and the bottom part a straight line. For females, it is the reverse. The male eye looks alert whereas the female eye appears demure, modest, shy and very feminine.

They can be bought singly or as a pair. They look better as a pair.

Wayang Menak 1

Material: Teak wood, old cotton batik
Style: Central Java

Man: height 62 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM1A

Woman: height 62 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM1B

Wayang Menak 2

Material: Teak wood, old cotton batik
Style: Central Java

Man: height 64 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM2A

Woman: height 63.5 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM2B

Wayang Menak 3

Material: Teak wood, old cotton batik
Style: Central Java

Man: height 61 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM3A

Woman: height 60 cm, width 21 cm
Order Number: PRM3B

Wayang Menak 4

Material: Teak wood, old cotton batik
Style: Central Java

Man: height 62.5 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM4B

Woman: height 61 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM4B

Wayang Menak 5

Material: Teak wood, old cotton batik
Style: Central Java

Man: height 62 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM5A

Woman: height 62.5 cm, width 12 cm
Order Number: PRM5B

Rod Puppets 1: Gambiong and Others

Rod Puppets 2: Wayang Menak

Rod Puppets 3: Old Wayang Golek

Rod Puppets 4: Wayang Panji

Rod Puppets 5: Wayang Cepak

Rod Puppets 6: Wayang Klitik