Description

Shadow puppet by Tri Suwarno from Java, Indonesia, c. 2010.
Water buffalo hide body painted with water-based paints, with water buffalo horn and bamboo handles.  (9″ h. x 5 3/4″ w. x 1/2″ d., 15 1/2″ h. including 6 1/2″ handle).

Bagong appears in Yogyakarta shadow puppet shows as one of the sons of Semar, along with Petruk and Gareng. The four characters together forms the group of Punokawan (clowns), cheered by the Indonesian audience as a break in the tension of the story and a moment of relaxation and laughter.