Cultural History In Focus | “Who Is the Dalang?” by Matthew Isaac Cohen from Tablet

Puppet (Wayang Klitik) of Barongan
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Who Is the Dalang?

The Indonesian art of shadow puppetry sheds light on our new political reality.

by Matthew Isaac Cohen

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This article is generously provided by Tablet and Matthew Isaac Cohen.

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Pathi Suwondo or Sumantri, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Bima, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Bima Hitam, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Gunungan or Kayon, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Gunungan or Kayon, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Gunungan or Kayon, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Bima, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Arjuna or Janaka, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Puppet (Wayang Klitik)
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Hanoman or Romodhoyopati, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Hanoman or Romodhoyopati, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit) of Bima, from the set Kyai Nugroho
The Dr. Walter Angst and Sir Henry Angest Collection
© Yale University Art Gallery

A puppeteer during a wayang kulit performance, Java, 1910-1933
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

A wayang kulit performance accompanied by a gamelan orchestra, Java, 1880-1905, Kassian Céphas.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

A puppeteer during a wayang kulit performance, Java, 1870-1892.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

A gamelan orchestra accompanies the shadow puppet show, Wayang Kulit, 1870, Woodbury & Page.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

A maker of wayang kulit puppets at work, Java, 1912, G. Kolff & Co.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Matthew Isaac Cohen

Matthew Isaac Cohen is a Professor in the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut, and a scholar-practitioner specializing in global traditions of puppet theater, Indonesian performing arts, intercultural and transnational performance, and cultural heritage.

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Author | © Matthew Isaac Cohen
Publication | Tablet
Date of Publication | August 19, 2024