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Antique Thai Shadow Puppet, Buffalo Hide, Nang Yai

About the Item

Antique Thai Shadow Puppet. Puppet is hand carved and constructed of buffalo hide. Overall measures 40 x 22 inches. Framed dimensions are 50 x 34 3/4 inches. Provenance: Private Collection, Atlanta, Georgia One of the oldest forms of theater is Thai Shadow Puppets, which dates back as early as 400 B.C.. Originally, this art derived from India, then through to Thailand. In Thai culture, the tradition is telling stories through the use of a shadow puppet. The performance, the story, and the puppets used vary among different region in Thailand. Initially, the appearance of the Thai shadow puppets tend to be flat, and handmade to leather. The puppet is made with the skin of the cow, or water buffalo. The skin is placed in water to soften the material, then pounded until the skin is semi-transparent. In order for the artists to carve and paint the leather to create the characters in the play, all of the steps in making it must be done. The art called “nang,” translates to hide. To showcase the performances, a puppeteer must be placed behind a white, thin sheet, with a light shining from behind. This projects a shadow of the puppet cut out that the audience can see. Prior to the use of the electric light bulb, puppeteers used oil lamps. Bringing the puppet to life requires the use of wooden or bamboo sticks to control the puppet’s movements, such as walking, dancing, or even speaking. Not only does the puppeteer have to monitor the puppets actions, they must narrate the story from behind the white screen, and create a voice for each of the different characters used. Occasionally, another individual or group may play musical instruments to add excitement and pleasure to the performance. The art of Thai shadow puppets is not only to manipulate the figures, but to portray an abundant repertoire of stories. During the performance, puppeteers do not use a script. The puppeteers rely solely on their memory, while improvising. Thai shadow puppetry has been commercialized for entertainment, and created for the tourist, while promoting cultural heritage. Thai shadow puppets tradition is reciting the stories of gods and humans through love and current events. (Miller). The Nang is classified into two groups. One is called Nang Talung, whereas the other is Nang Yai. Nang Talung uses leather puppets which have movable limbs controlled by a string. Another grander version of the shadow puppet art is called Nang Yai, which means big hide, so the shadow puppets are more life sized. Both styles and themes are relatively similar. These two types of Nang are presented to the Thai society, while being universally acknowledged throughout Thailand. Nang performances themes include adventures of a wanderer, romance like star crossed lovers, masters teaching magic to their apprentice, family conflict, or abandoned children who seek to find their loved ones. The Nang pursue to pass on to the audience the significance of Thai ideologies and values. Last remnants of the Thai tradition and shadow puppets is the Nang. The presenters and teachers of the type of Thai shadow puppetry, Nang Talung are known as Nai Nang. There are over 300 in the South of Thailand. The Nai Nang must have a range of story lines and techniques, and incorporate it into the Thai shadow puppet characters. By doing this, it will ensure that the fluidity and rhythm of the performance maintains the audience’s interest. Nai Nang are highly respected and intertwined into the Thai cultural fibers. Although the Nang was based on Buddhist ideology and philosophy, they also incorporated Hindu iconography and characters. Thai shadow puppets theatre is for audiences of all ages, not just the younger generation. The tradition of shadow puppets exist throughout Asia, not just Thailand; however, the main focus was Thai culture. The shadow puppets create a sense of divine inspiration, as well as mystery. These shadows are considered sacred. They have roots in religious observances, embodying Brahmanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and ancestral worshipping. “The art of the puppeteer developed from ancient animalistic beliefs whereby every object, animate or inanimate, has a soul.” The puppets, in all cultures, are treated with respect. They are revered as vessel of living energy. Preceding each performance is both prayers and offerings, where the puppet master requests for protection and blessings. Many of the Thai shadow puppet performances have a consistent religious theme. The reenactments in the performances have an episodes of the Hindu epics, Ramayana. The Ramayana epic contains a variety of individual stories. The shadow puppet represent social organization and hierarchy. In addition, it represents harmony, while signifying the universe, and symbolizing the difficulties faced in harmony and chaos, the good and the evil, and endeavor to reach a balance.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 50 in (127 cm)Width: 34.75 in (88.27 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Excellent.
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU184129905202
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