Thursday, November 13, 2008

Street Photography # 6: Topeng Monyet - A Close Encounter with A Distant Brother



"Topeng monyet" (literally: monkey mask) is an Indonesian traditional folk street performance whose sole actor/actress is a monkey. The monkey - who has been tamed and especially trained by a "pawang" (animal master) - performs different kinds of tricks immitating human actions, such as dressing up, riding a bicycle, going shopping, etc.

A "topeng monyet" group typically consists of one or two monkeys, an animal master and trainer, and a couple of musicians.

12 comments:

Photo Cache said...

At first glance I thought that was a mechanical monkey :)

I find your title very funny.

Profile Not Available said...

The expression on that child's face is priceless! I have never seen one of these for real, only in movies or books. I would bet it is amusing!

Dina said...

So the whole group revolves around one little monkey? He's a cutie.

Ryan Achadiat said...

i like that sir. but I thought the monkey name is not ASEP. ^_^

escape said...

wow! i know they too are wise. look at this one. it's making me laugh.

i too liked the term "monyet" for monkey. cool!

Rambling Woods said...

It's almost like there is an understanding between the child and the monkey. (Thank you for your sweet well wishes Eki. I was very touched and appreciated them very much.)

Catherine said...

What a good atmosphere picture, Eki. I love seeing this little boy amazed, and the monkey doing his usual task as if it was a normal behaviour.
Thanks to join the guestbook too, welcome in my world.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could see a topeng monyet in person! I'm sure to be amazed by the clever tricks it may perform.

Unknown said...

Look fun especially for children.
Re ikan terubok photo ,if i drop by market to-morrow will capture the picture.
Thanks and Have a nice day.

Sita said...

hallo Pak Eki. Saya suka foto2 Anda (dan saya suka Bandung).
About topeng monyet, beside monkey usually they also have dog and snake.

Anonymous said...

guessing what in that child's mind
"my brother, finally found you"
;)

J. Luque said...

buen disparo!!!!