This puppet represents the character of Batara Guru, the chief god who appears in the Javanese 'wayang kulit', or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. Batara Guru is the Javanese name for the Hindu deity, Shiva.Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana are among the popular wayang stories performed in the Javanese kulit tradition. 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.
