Umar Maya.

[WAYANG GOLEK MENAK: INDONESIAN WOODEN PUPPETS].

Published by (Before1970s)., Indonesia., 1970

About this Item

Wood, cloth and mixed media, rotating head and body on a central wooden rod, jointed arms affixed to horn batons, 71 x 46 cms (arms extended). This puppet represents the important figure of Umar Maya faithful companion to Amir Hamzah, the uncle of the prophet Muhammad, but in the Wayang Golek Menak tradition he has many aliases and titles. Umar Maya?s character does not fall into a specific category, as he exhibits both refined and coarse qualities. He is characterized by his dark face and impulsive nature. In the little bag he carries everything, if he loses the bag, he falls to the ground. The kris (sword) he carries is a Javanese addition. Most common in West Java, rod puppetry dates back to the early 17th Century. Stories may be of Hindu, Buddhist, or Islamic origin, as well as more modern themes. This example is of Wayang Golek Manek is specifically concerned with the Amir Hamza cycle of stories. The stories narrate the exploits of an Arab warrior, Hamza. Though from an oral tradition, the stories were written down in Persian. Purchased in Java in the early 1970s. Also see: Gregory Churchill et al, "Semar, ever so smartly. Images of Semar in Indonesian Folk Arts". Winayangan, 2009.

Seller Inventory # 216771

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Umar Maya.
• Publisher: (Before1970s)., Indonesia.
• Publication Date: 1970
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art - Southeast Asia