Wayang Golek
Peter Buurman

The fascinating world of classical West Javanese puppetry.

One of the many expressions of wayang play is wayang golem parwa, the classical West Javanese puppetry. This uses three-dimensional puppets, carved from wood and beautifully painted and dressed. This book provides a general introduction to wayang play and then discusses the above-mentioned form in detail. The first part provides an overview of the history, the manners of performing, of carvers and players and of the epic poems that served as a starting point for wayang play. The second part provides a complete overview of the types of puppets; something that has not been done before in the existing literature on this subject. All types are provided with a clear drawing, as well as a description that refers to the story in which they appear and the role they play in it. This book is a valuable asset for every collector.