Pair of Vintage Indonesian Puppets - Wayang Golek Rod Puppets - Rama & Shinta

Description

Pair of Vintage Indonesian Stick Puppets - Wayang Golek Rod Puppets, Rama & Shinta, as I was told when I purchased the puppets from a vendor 25 years ago while in Jakarta, Indonesia. They are hand carved and painted. Includes bodies, clothes, heads, sticks, and stands. The heads do come off. Their clothes are in excellent condition and have been kept in a smoke free home on display in a glass case since purchase. Single owner. Never played with. There are a couple of chips in the paint which were already there when I purchased and believed to be vintage at that time. Beautiful hand beading. Fabric is tan, golds, and black with deep red accents.
Rama: The principal hero in the Ramayana epic. A descendant of Batara Wisnu, god of humanity, he is married to Dewi Shinta. When she is kidnapped by Rahwana, Rama rescues her with the assistance of Laksmana (his loyal brother), Wibiksana (Rahwana's brother), Sugriwa (king of the monkeys) and Hanoman (brilliant general of the monkey army).
Shinta: The principal heroine in the Ramyana epic. Shinta is the daughter of King Janaka of Mantili. She is kidnapped by Rahwana. Yet she maintains her honour and is ultimately reunited with her beloved husband, Rama. That is why she is an enduring symbol of loyalty.
Dolls measure approx 31" from top of head to bottom of skirt.
Materials and construction:
Three-dimensional Indonesian puppets are carved out of light, softwood.
The head of the puppet is the most important part, and that is the most intricately carved section of each puppet.
The puppeteer will often carve the face of a bird into the back of the puppet's headdress.
Once the head is carved, the waist and torso are then carved.
After the head and torso have been created, a hole is drilled from the neck to the bottom of the trunk where a large wooden rod is placed
The head is then mounted on the top of the wooden rod
The arms are then carved into two sections:
shoulder to elbow,
and
hand to elbow
Please see all pictures and ask all questions prior to bidding. Sold as is. No refunds and no returns. No international shipping. Shipped via USPS Priority Mail.