This puppet represents the character of Petruk in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. He is one of the comic casts and the second son of Semar. The group of clown servants known as 'punakawan' (or witty friends) usually comprise the three brothers, Bagong, Petruk and Gareng, and their father Semar. They inject humour into the plays and are revered for their words of wisdom. Puppets like this appear alongside characters from wayang stories that include Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.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.
