Saddam Hussein

NameWayang kulit, shadow puppet

Maker Enthus Susmono

CultureJavanese

Date2001

Place madeJava, Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia

MediumWater buffalo hide, paint, water buffalo horn, wood, metal (gold or bronze) leaf

DimensionsOverall: 41 3/4 x 12 5/8 in. (106 x 32 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2008.4.1

Collections

Wayang Kuilt: Indonesian Shadow Puppets

DescriptionShadow puppet of Saddam Hussein wearing a green uniform and matching beret with a gold leaf S insignia, a maroon flame print skirt, purple belt with stars, red and purple striped tie, missle at the hip, and black boots. Face in profile view with thick carved mustache and eyebrows.

Performer and Designer: Ki Enthus Susmono
Artist: Rasimin
Place and Date Made: Solo, 2001

These George W. Bush (FA.2007.17.1) and Saddam Hussein (FA.2008.4.1) wayang figures made appearances in numerous classical wayang performances by the dhalang and designer of these figures, Ki Enthus Susmono. Ki Enthus used these wayang kulit to encourage his audience to contemplate the effects of war; he would present the issues in a short, satirical scene.
For example in the lakon “Gathutkaca Gugur” [The Death of Gathutkaca] from the Mahabharata, Gathutkaca tells Kresna about his reluctance to continue his fight against his blood relatives, the Kurawas. When a missile flies overhead, the characters [Gathutkaca and Kresna] follow its path. They discover George W. Bush chasing Saddam Hussein in a madcap routine. Kresna and Gathutkaca look at the land of Iraq to see all the suffering and destruction caused by war, and they discuss the meaning of it all. Kresna explains that despite the pains of war, Gathutkaca must continue the battle against his cousins to prevent them from taking over the world- continuing the fight and winning the battle will help restore the forces of good and carry out the will of the gods.
Written when the museum purchased the George W. Bush wayang Ki Enthus stated:
I extradite wayang “George W. Bush” from the world of Wayang Planet. It is my home that in his time living with other wayang, together in one kothak, he has learned from Javanese culture and has a greater appreciation for humanity” July 2, 2007
These wayang figures are innovations of Ki Enthus Susmono, and they do not appear in typical sets of classical wayang kulit.