Javanese shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit)

Wayang Kulit is a traditional Javanese shadow puppet theater that uses intricately carved leather puppets projected onto a illuminated screen. Performers manipulate the puppets behind the screen to narrate stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, often accompanied by gamelan music. The art blends storytelling, music, and artistry to convey moral lessons, spiritual themes, and cultural values. Renowned for its detailed craftsmanship and poetic dialogue, Wayang Kulit is a revered cultural practice that preserves Javanese heritage and offers a profound, immersive experience rooted in Indonesian tradition.