FAQ About The Role of Puppetry in Cultural Ceremonies

Wayang puppetry is an integral part of Indonesian culture, especially in the Javanese and Balinese regions. This traditional form of shadow play involves intricately crafted leather puppets, manipulated by a puppeteer against a backlit screen. Wayang performances are often held in conjunction with religious events, such as the ruwatan ritual, which is believed to cleanse participants of misfortunes. The stories told through Wayang are deeply rooted in local mythologies, Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and convey moral and philosophical teachings to the audience.