Artifact No. 1983.55.1-5, Wayang Shadow Puppets; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (Grand Rapids, MI)
Wayang Shadow Puppets
Artifact ID1983.55.1-5
Object Type
Puppet, Shadow
Gifter
Mrs. Aang Kunaefi
Date
before 1976
Medium
wood, paint, fabric, sequin, trimming, plastic
DimensionsOverall H 20 1/4 in x W 21 in x D 9 in (51.4 cm x 53.3 cm x 22.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA set of five wooden puppets are attached to thin, black, wooden sticks. Each wears a headpiece and is dressed in a similar elaborate ensemble decorated with sequins, beads, and fringe. They are positioned on a rectangular black wooden base.Historical NoteThe wife of Aang Kunaefi, governor of Bandung, Indonesia, gifted these puppets to First Lady Betty Ford on December 11, 1975. In late 1975, President and Mrs. Ford Lady traveled to Japan, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines to strengthen U.S. ties with these Pacific countries. These wooden rod puppets are used in Wayang Golek, a traditional Sundanese puppet art from the West Java, Indonesia. Wayang refers to the Indonesian art of puppetry and golek refers to the type of puppetry—in this case rod instead of shadow. Rod puppetry has a long history in Indonesia, possibly originating from Chinses influence, and continues today as a significant fixture in the country’s art and culture. The stories told illustrate the confluence of Hinduism and Islam in Indonesian culture, as stories traditional to each religion were adapted to suite the performances by those of the other. Each puppet represents one of the five Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharat: Samiaji (Yudistira), Bima (Bhima), Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa (Sahadeva). The style of each puppet illustrates the character’s traits, for example, the downward gaze of Samiaji, the eldest brother, illustrates his refined and virtuous nature.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was presented to her and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)
Use Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.