DepartmentAsia

Werkudara also known as Bima (wanda: Lindu)

NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet

CultureJavanese

Dateca. 2000

Place madeJava, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia

MediumWater buffalo hide, paint, water buffalo horn, bronze leaf, wood

DimensionsOverall: 43 5/16 x 19 5/16 in. (110 x 49 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2007.40.4

Collections

Wayang Kuilt: Indonesian Shadow Puppets

DescriptionShadow puppet. Large male figure with black face, curving hairstyle, bronze leaf over chest, arms, legs. Central stick is buffalo horn, arm sticks made of wood.

"Bima, also known as Werkudara
[wanda: Lindhu]
Performer: Ki Purbo Asmoro; also Ki Bambang Suwarno
Artist[s]: unknown
Place and Date Made: unknown; acquired by Ki Purbo Asmoro in Sukoharjo, 2004

Lindhu means “earthquake" and the direction of Bima's glare is downward, he is watching the earth move. This version of Bima may be used to emphasize his respect for others; it is not used for battle scenes. This wayang kulit appears in the lakon, “Bima Suci" [Bima as Priest] and “Déwa Ruci" (Ruci: The Inner Spirit).

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 to 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)