DepartmentAsia

Werkudara also known as Bima (wanda: Mimis)

NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet

Maker Wiji Sutikno (leather carver)

Maker Murdiyonto (painter)

CultureJavanese

Place madeSukoharjo, Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia

MediumWater buffalo hide, paint,ancur, water buffalo horn, gold leaf, wood

DimensionsOverall: 42 15/16 x 22 1/16 in. (109 x 56 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2007.40.6

Collections

Wayang Kuilt: Indonesian Shadow Puppets

DescriptionShadow puppet. Large male figure with black skin and long thumbnails. Elaborate, curving hairstyle, black and gold checked batik skirt. Intricate punchwork details indicating hair, body hair.

"Performer: Ki Purbo Asmoro; also: Ki Bowo; Ki Manta
Artists: Wijíi Sutikno (leather carver); Murdiyonto (painter)
Place and Date Made: Sukoharjo, date unknown; acquired by Ki Purbo Asmoro in Sragen, 2002

Mimis means bullet," suggesting this wanda was invented at least after firearms existed. In this mood, Bima is fiery, strong, and fast [like ammunition] and the puppet is often used in battle scenes in Mahabharata stories Bima's strength is emphasized by his black-painted body." (Katz-Harris 2010)