This puppet represents the character Semar in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. He is said to represent the ideal of 'alus' (refinement) and is the most important of Javanese deities.He, together with his son, Bagong, Gareng and Petruk are generally known as the 'panakawan' or witty friends. Apart from providing comic relief, they serve as the wise friends and advisers of the noble characters in the 'wayang'.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 for television and public education campaigns.
