This puppet represents the character Sarpakenaka (Surpanakha) from the epic Ramayana performed in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. She is the younger sister of the ogre king Rahwana(Ravana). Her wide-open eyes, bulbous nose, a grinning mouth revealing her incisors, reflect a typical coarse or violent character.The vast majority of the ‘wayang’ plays performed are drawn from the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata with as well as stories of Javanese origin. 'Wayang kulit' is considered as 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 more recently for television and public education campaigns.
