8 Different Types of Wayang

Since its early development there are many varieties of Wayang from different Islands

Punto Dewo (1986/1989) by SukarmanUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Purwa

It is considered the oldest style and the most popular wayang style widely used.  

Nakula (1986/1989) by SukarmanUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Kulit Purwa is made from buffalo leather carved and inlaid with certain colors.

The main puppet holder traditionally made out of buffalo horn is the middle one and holds the entire part of the puppet from its feet, waist, chest all the way to its head and hair. 

Singa Nila (Bali) by UnknownUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Parwa

Wayang parwa is Wayang style from Bali. This type of wayang usually performed using a 'blencong',a particular light that comes from craved bronze filled with coconut oil candle.

Bratasena by Niin Neran CiracasUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Betawi

Wayang Betawi is a particular style popular amongst Betawi people and culture. Betawi culture is rooted in Batavia or todays Indonesia capital city Jakarta. 

Sayid Ibnu Umar (1925) by Amak RahimahUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Sasak

This Wayang style is from Nusa Tenggara Barat, in the eastern part of Indonesia. This Wayang style is developed to be portable together with simplified music instruments. 

Prabu Antarja by UnknownUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Palembang

This Wayang style is popular in Palembang, southern part of Sumatra Island. This type of Wayang have a different choice of color use from those developed in Java. 

This Wayang adapted Malay Palembang language in its performances. The gamelan orchestra would include a tambourine.

Prabu Baladewa (Cirebon) by UnknownUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Cirebon

Wayang Cirebon is popular in Cirebon area in West Java. It is performed using a mix of Sundanese and Javanese language. The colors choice on Wayang are usually bold, contrasting colors. 

Mouse-deer by Lejar (Alm.)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Kancil

Wayang doesn't always feature stories of noblemen and deities. There is also this style where it only features animal related stories. The most famous one is this mouse deer, known for his liking to steal cucumber. 

Anggada (1964) by SukasmanUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wayang Ukur

This wayang style is considered contemporary. This style is developed in the 70s. The style broke traditional standard of Wayang puppet making. Wayang Ukur offered a simpler standard of performance utilizing digitized music.  

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