puppets

The Indigo Arts website has remained active over the last two years despite the dispruptions from the COVID-19 virus. I have resumed regular operations and am able to pack and ship most orders within a few days. Shipping times have increased during this period. The gallery is open to visitors, but by appointment only. Please phone or email ahead.

Note: USPS service remains very slow. I don't recommend it if you are in a hurry. Please note also that USPS shipping estimates only include insurance for up to a $50 value. If you want full insurance please let me know and I will charge it separately.
Please stay safe!

Eruption of Mt. Merapi Volcano "Kayon" - "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet by Tri Suwarno

SKU: INDOP-1107

Tri Suwarno

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit shadow puppet by Tri Suwarno from Java, Indonesia, c.2010.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with water buffalo horn and bamboo handles (22" h. x 15" w. x 1/2" d., 31" h. including 9" handle).
"The Kayon or "Tree of Life" puppet is used in every performance to begin and end the show, to mark scene divisions, to represent the natural elements, extreme emotions, and a palace, home, forest or other type of place." This Kayon specifically depicts the volcano Mt. Merapi, which erupted in Ocober 2010, and depicts the destruction of the villages below. It and the puppet of the "Volcano Keeper" Mbah Marijan who refused to leave his post and perished in the eruption, were both created by artist Tri Suwarno shortly after the event. See the BBC story Spiritual guardian of Indonesian volcano dies.

$425

Gayon Fire Monster - "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet

SKU: INDOP-2203

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit Shadow puppet from Java, Indonesia, mid-20th century.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with buffalo horn handle. (32” h. x 18” w. x 1/2” d., 40 1/2“ h. including handle.)

The "Kayon" (gayon) puppet is used in every performance to begin and end the show, to mark scene divisions, to represent the natural elements, extreme emotions, and a palace, home, forest or other type of place."

$425

Bamana Rod Puppet

SKU: AFS-082

Bamana people

Mali

20th century
Traditional Bamana puppet on stand. Wood, oil paint, fabric, with custom stand.
(28.5" h.l x 13" w. x 4" d.)
A similar puppet from the Rosen collection is shown on page 153 of their book The Colorful Sogo Bo Puppets of Mali.

Provenance:

Mary Sue and Paul Peter Rosen

$350

Tiger - Antique "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet

SKU: INDOP-2201

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit Shadow puppet from Java, Indonesia, mid-20th century.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with bamboo handle. (14" h. x 24" w. x 1/2" d., 23" h. including handle).

$185

Buffalo - Antique "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet

SKU: INDOP-2202

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit Shadow puppet from Java, Indonesia, mid-20th century.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with bamboo handle. (14" h. x 24" w. x 1/2" d., 22 1/2“ h. including handle).

$175

Warrior - Antique "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet

SKU: INDOP-2204

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit shadow puppet by unknown artist from Java, Indonesia,mid-20th century.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with water buffalo horn handles (19” h. x 10 1/2” w. x 1/2” d., 25 1/2” h. including 6" handle).

$175

"Mbah Marijan" (The Volcano Keeper) "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet by Tri Suwarno

SKU: INDOP-1106

Tri Suwarno

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit shadow puppet by Tri Suwarno from Java, Indonesia, c.2010.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with water buffalo horn and bamboo handles (13" h. x 5 1/2" w. x 1/2" d., 21" h. including 8" handle).
This puppet commemorates the life and death of Mbah Marijan (Maridjan), the hereditary spiritual guardian of Java's Mt. Merapi volcano. When the volcano erupted in October 2010, the 83 year old "volcano keeper" refused to leave his post. He was later found dead in prayer position in his home, 5 km from the volcano summit. See the BBC story Spiritual guardian of Indonesian volcano dies

$160

"Kuda" Horse - "Wayang Kulit" Javanese Shadow Puppet by Tri Suwarno

SKU: INDOP-1102

Tri Suwarno

Javanese Puppet Artists

Indonesia

Wayang Kulit Shadow puppet by Tri Suwarno from Java, Indonesia, 2010.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with water buffalo horn handle. (9 1/2" h. x 16" w. x 1/2" d., 17 1/2" h. including 8" handle).

$96