This puppet represents the character Cangik in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather puppet theatre tradition. She is a female comic figure playing the role of lady-in-waiting to the noble ladies in the royal courts. As with all comic figures in Javanese 'wayang' she is ugly and slightly deformed and is usually protrayed as a woman who displays her vanity by continually combing her hair.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 more recently for television and public education campaigns.
