Wayang kulit is one of artistic traditions that grow and develop in Javanese. More than just a show, wayang kulit was used as a medium for spiritual permenungan towards the spirit of the gods. Reportedly, the “puppet” is derived from the word “Hyang”ma, which means towards the power of spirituality. But, there is also a society that says “puppet” is derived from the performance techniques rely on shadow (shadow/puppets) on the screen.
Wayang kulit is believed to be the embryos of various types that exist today. This type of puppet is made from sheets of dried Buffalo skin. In order to become a puppet of dynamic motion, on the right part of his body is attached using screws made from Buffalo Horn.
Shadow puppets played directly by a narrator called the mastermind. The mastermind can not be played by just anyone. In addition must be expertly playing the puppet, the storyteller must also know the various stories of epics such as the Ramayanaand Mahabrata puppet. The puppeteer first rated as a noble profession, because the person who became the mastermind is usually the person who learned, ethical, and courteous.
While playing the puppet, the storyteller accompanied by Music sourced from gamelan music instrument. On the sidelines of the sound of the gamelan, chanted a verse–verse-speaking of Javanese sung by the pesinden commonly are women. As avalued tradition of magical arts, the offerings or offerings be mandatory in every element of the wayang.
Offerings in the form of free-range chicken, coffee, rice, rice, and other produce, as well as not to forget the smoke of burning incense is always there in every puppet.But, since many consider these offerings is a redundant, this latter condition in staging puppet shows are also reserved for the audience in the form of eating together.
Wayang kulit is the wealth of the archipelago that was born from the original culture society of Indonesia who loves the arts. Each section in the puppet has a symbol and a strong philosophical meaning. Moreover, in terms of contents, puppet stories always taught the manners that are sublime, mutual love and respect, while sometimes inserted social criticism and the role of funny scenes through goro–goro.
