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