This puppet represents the character of Gareng performed in the Javanese wayang kulit, or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. Gareng is a clown servant in court, and is usually depicted with a pot-belly. 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. While stories are usually drawn from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, characters such as from the punakawan, were added later possibly to introduce elements of Islam into the Hindu-Javanese stories.Wayang kulit is considered the highest of the 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 feast days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted for television and public education campaigns.
