This puppet depicts a 'naga'—a water serpent in the Javanese 'wayang kulit' or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. In the Hindu mythology, the naga is associated with water, from which first forms of life originates. It appears alongside characters from the wayang stories that include the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.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.
