DepartmentAsia
Brahala Putih
NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet
Designer
Enthus Susmono
CultureJavanese
Date1992
Place madeSurakarta, Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia
MediumWater buffalo hide, water-based paint and dyes, ancur, water buffalo horn, gold leaf, wood
DimensionsOverall: 49 5/8 x 26 3/4 in. (126 x 68 cm)
Credit LineIFAF Collection
Object numberFA.2007.39.2
Collections
Performer and Designer: Ki Enthus Susmono
Artist: Rasimin
Place and Date Made: Surakarta, 1992
Brahala Putih (Very Large White Giant) is the character Puntadéwa, the eldest of the five Pandhawa brothers. Puntadéwa is said to have white blood and the ability to transform into the fierce but rational Brahala Putih.
In the Mahabharata episode, "Déwa Amral" [The Story of Déwa Amral; Puntadéwa Transformed into a Giant] Puntadéwa becomes Brahala Putih to spiritually connect with the mighty Brahala Ireng, who is Kresna transformed into a furious Black Giant. Kresna and Puntadéwa are cousins and close friends Brahala Putih is able to calm Brahala Ireng, bring him back to his senses and stop him from destroying everything in his path. Brahala Putih also appears in "Pandhawa Pitu" [The Seven Pandhawas: The Story of Sumbadra and Srikandhi]
Brahala Putih and his counterpart Brahala Ireng, are from the Yogyakarta tradition. Today, they are popularly used by many Solo-style dhalang who enjoy them either for display on the banana log or for use in performances.
Ki Joko
1993
