Product Description

Antique Wayang Kulit: Kayonan 2

Material: Buffalo hide, buffalo horn, paint
Style: Java
Size: Height 78 cm (excluding the bottom of the stick), Height 102 cm (including the bottom of the stick), Width 46 cm
Order Number: MHSAWYK2

The Kayonan is the shadow puppet that opens and closes and remains in place throughout the shadow puppet performance. It comes in 2 forms: the tree of life – or the holy mountain, when it is called gunungan.

In the centre of this one there is a pavillon, a male symbol, alluding to the fertility implications of the ritual wedding bed, the kobongan shrine.

It is placed right in the centre and separates the basically good puppet characters on the right and the basically bad characters on the left of the screen.

The tree also links the upper and lower worlds and its branches extend equally to the left and right.

When the puppeteer opens the performance with a flutter of this puppet, it is a sign that he is climbing the tree to the realm of the gods.

He invites the audience to walk through the doors and join him.

There are some holes and tears through use.

Early – mid 20th century

Map of Java

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).