DepartmentAsia
Tuhu Wasesa
NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet
Maker
Wiji Sutikno
(leather carver)
CultureJavanese
Date1996
Place madeSragen, Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia
MediumWater Buffalo Hide, paint, water buffalo horn, bronze leaf
DimensionsOverall: 47 1/4 x 22 7/16 in. (120 x 57 cm)
Credit LineIFAF Collection
Object numberFA.2007.40.2
Collections
"Performer: Ki Purbo Asmoro
Artist: Wiji Sutikno; Designer: Marsono
Place and Date Made: Sragen, 1996
Bima took the name Tuhu Wasésa when he briefly became King of Gilingwesi. The figure appears only in the lakon "Tuhu Wasésa" [Bima becomes King Tuhu Wasésa] from the Mahabharata.
Bima is the son of Pandhu Déwanata and Déwi Kunthi. He is the second of the five Pandhawa brothers and known lor his large physique, great strength, extreme willpower, and his deadly thumbnail--his pancanaka. Through lessons with the god Déwa Ruci, Bima learns the meaning of life and the secrets of the universe. To remind him to stay on the Right Path he wears a checkered cloth of black, red, and yellow lor gold). These colors represent vices that interfere with righteousness and nobility. White, the fourth color, represents positive forces and spiritual purity.
Bima and the monkey-warrior Anoman share a connection to Bathara Bayu (god of the winds). Consequently, they share certain features, such as their pancanaka, a checkered cloth, and particular types of jewelry.
The figure of Bima portrays his strength of character, in part, through the shape of his eyes: a shape which is different from that of his brothers', but that can also be found on other wayang characters. Though Bima can be stubborn, he is devoted 10 and protective of his family and his people. His honesty, courage, and expert battle skills place him among the greatest heroes in the Mahabharala. He is a noble character and an audience favorite. " (Katz-Harris 2010)
Wiji Sutikno
Ki Joko
