Lamp in shape of topsy turvy demon (banas sungsang)

With its head inverted below and torso and legs above, the demon banas sungsang was greatly feared by children who were his favourite food. This is emphasized with the appearance of two children’s severed heads near his feet.

During shadow puppet performances, the large coconut oil lamp illuminating the screen used by the dalang shadow puppet master was hung on the reverse side of this carved panel – there are still burn marks visible from its heat. The panel served to protect the head of the puppet master from the open flame of the oil lamp, making this image with flames exuding from his head and fiery red skin very appropriate to its purpose.