This puppet represents Sugriwa in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. He is the Monkey King of Kiskenda and younger brother of Subali, who evicted him, usurped his throne and took his wife. Sugriwa sought the help of Rama to get his kingdom back and in return, assisted Rama in his rescue of his wife, Dewi Sinta (Sita), from Rahwana (Ravana).The Ramayana relates the struggle of Rama and his brother Lesmana (Lakshmana) in their attempt to rescue of his wife Dewi Sinta from the ogre king Rahwana. The vast majority of the 'wayang' plays performed are drawn from the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as well as local stories of Javanese origin.'Wayang kulit' is considered the highest of the Javanese performing arts. Performed in the royal courts of Java as early as the ninth century, this tradition continues to be treasured as one of the 'pusaka' or sacred heirlooms of the court. 'Wayang kulit' is traditionally performed on ritual days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted for television and public education campaigns.
