DepartmentAsia

Werkudara also known as Bima (wanda: Lintang)

NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet

Maker Wiji Sutikno (leather carver)

Maker Murdiyonto (painter)

CultureJavanese

Date2000

Place madeSragen, Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia

MediumWater Buffalo Hide, Paint, Ancur, Water Buffalo Horn, gold leaf

DimensionsOverall: 42 1/8 x 21 1/4 in. (107 x 54 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2007.40.3

Collections

Wayang Kuilt: Indonesian Shadow Puppets

DescriptionShadow puppet. Large male figure with black skin, curving hairstyle, long thumbnails. Red and gold checked skirt, pink leggings. Platform between feet is gold leafed and painted with stylized designs.

"Performer: Ki Purbo Asmoro: also: Ki Mauta Darsana
Artists: Wiji Sutikno (leather carver), Murdiyonto (painter); Designer: Marsono
Place and Date Made: Sragen, 2000

Lintang means star," and this particular version of Bima is shown with eyes looking slightly towards the sky. Bima plays an important supporting role in many Mahabharata cycles, but this wayang is the central figure in lakon such as “Déwa Ruci" [Ruci: The Inner Spirit] and "Bharatayuda" [The Great Bharatayuda War]. The figure may be used for battle scenes, in part because his black-colored body indicates strength.

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)