Bali 2008:  Self-Guided Studies


Shadow Puppet Construction with puppetmaster "I Wayan Nartha"
Sukawati, Bali

Through a fortunate connection, I was able to find this puppetmaster in a nearby town.
He did not speak English but since i had been studying Indonesian for several weeks already,
we were able to converse on a comfortable level.

It was a very relaxing experience to spend a few hot afternoons sitting in the shade,
meticulously punching shapes into the dried leather. 

I had wondered if they had any shortcuts in the making of these intricate puppets...
Nope - no shortcuts. Turns out that they cut the hundreds of holes with the use of simple tools.

The very slow and methodical tradition of puppet construction is reflective
of the infinitely patient approach to creation and time that the Balinese have.