This puppet represents the character of Raja Bali (Subali) from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, performed in the ‘Wayang Siam’, the leather shadow puppet theatre in Kelantan.The principal story of the ‘Wayang Siam’ is based on one of the Malay renditions of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana known as ‘Hikayat Maharaja Wana’ (Maharaja Wana’s Tale), the other being the literary ‘Hikayat Seri Rama’ (Seri Rama’s Tale). Extensions or branch stories of the Ramayana, developed locally, were also performed.‘Wayang Siam’ was mainly performed in the villages in Kelantan. Traditionally, it was performed for ritual purposes such as the fulfilment of a vow, the initiation of a student puppeteer or for the salutations to one’s teacher. The main purpose for performance today is entertainment.
