Shadow puppet of a 2 dimensional human-like figure riding a large mythical bird. The golden skinned figure has a black face with red markings, and long curling black hair. He wears an elaborate, colourful headdress and a robe around his shoulders that falls to his feet. Bracelets adorn wrists and ankles. In front of the figure sits a small green lizard. The bird Garuda has long blue feathers making up tail and wings, and small, delicate brown feathers on the chest. The eyes are red and staring, and a long snout displays many sharp white teeth. It stands on grey birdlike feet on floral grounding. The leather of the puppet is pierced with patterns of lines, holes and curlicues, which allow light to shine through. The whole is held up by a horn handle attached to the leather with fibre. The puppet is painted identically on both front and back.

• History Of Use

  Indonesian shadow puppet (wayang kulit) used in puppet stage plays of Vishnu riding Garuda.

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• Type of Item puppet
• Culture Javanese
• Material water buffalo skin, paint, horn, fibre
• Measurements height 51.0 cm, width 30.5 cm, depth 1.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Betty Cairney, Jack Cairney
• Received from Jack Cairney

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• Made in Java

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• Collection Date between 1990 and 1999
• Ownership Date before March 15, 2011
• Acquisition Date on March 15, 2011

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• Condition excellent
• Accession Number 2872/0009