Divinities, Demons, Kings and Clowns:
Puppetry of India and and Southeast Asia

Curated by Kathy Foley with the assistance of Michael Schuster

Wayang golek (Rod Puppetry)

Aswatama and Kresna, Wayang Golek Purwa, Bandung, West Java, l980

Aswatama is recognized by his unruly hair. Demons represent the lower powers (tamas) which obstruct enlightenment and become the opponents of the gods and heroes in virtually every performance. Kresna wears a crown and is a king who is an incarnation of Wisnu (Vhisnu), the preserver god of the world.

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