So in a couple of weeks I will start teaching my shadow theater class again. This is the second time in history. I figured it would be prudent to start out by introducing the prevailing traditions from, for instance, Indonesia. But pictures are so inadequate for puppets. They really are. I needed wayang kulit. I needed them bad.
So I went to Ebay.
What do you know, there is a guy in Central Java who has a store and sells such things. His store, debakoel, is here.
I bought two puppets, which were in Singapore and are flying this way now.
Pabu Kresna
“His name as a boy was Raden Narayana, the son of Basudewa with Dewi Badraini. He was the twin brother of Sembadra, both of them had smooth black/dark color of skin. He was tall with slender body and a good-looking face, brilliant and wise. No wonder many ladies fell in love with him.”
Just look at that detail. No wonder.
“He loved very much Sembadra and Arjuna. He always patiently took care of his temperamental elder brother Kakrasana/Baladewa. He was the incarnation of Betara Wisnu, the protector of life. After defeating King Yudakala Kresna of Dwarawati, Narayana became the king of the kingdom of Dwarawati and his official name was Prabu Kresna.” (from Planet Mole)
I don’t know who this guy is. I just thought he looked like he could eat anyone that messed with me or my friends. I bet he casts a wicked shadow…
