Gatutkaca is a "wayang golek" figure. In the epic of Mahabharata - one of the main sources of the narratives for the Javanese and Sundanese wayang performances, Gatotkaca is characterized as a demigod superman whose power includes - among others - the ability to fly. So powerful this character is that it is said that his bones are made of steel and his muscles of wires.
Gatotkaca's power is said to be inherited from his parents: Bimasena or Bima of the Pandawa family, his father, is a fierce but kind-hearted hero, and Hidimbi (better known as Arimbi in Javanese and Sundanese), his mother, is a powerful rakshasa (giant).
The Gatutkaca in the above photo is not the one that is normally used for "wayang golek" performance, but a unique souvenir that you can bring home from Bandung and West Java in general. This souvenir wayang golek is made larger that the one that is normally used for the performance.
This post is Bandung Daily Photo's participation in My World Tuesday Meme. Please follow the link to see other participants' photos and stories.
Great shot! I like to see the wooden building as a background.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting history of Gatutkaca. What a souvenir that would be to take home!
ReplyDeleteI love learning different aspects of your culture Eki...Thank you for sharing the history along with your wonderful photos..
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and a truly gorgeous picture.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Eki, u r very professional,nice nice short shot!
ReplyDeleteOh ya, sorry kemaren saya kirim ke Bandungdailyphoto@yahoo.com tapi saya cek dulu ya apa salah alamat..
ReplyDeleteVery interesting photo and information
ReplyDeleteIt looks very powerful indeed. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not comment every time, I visit your blog regularly and with interest, Eki!!
This puppetry is very fine and dramatic as captured by your pix. I'm now following My World Tuesday. Thanks for the link. Salam.
ReplyDeletewonderful shot, sir
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful craftsmanship! I'd bring one home as a souvenir too if I ever reach there.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful photo and interesting information about Sundanese culture, Sir. By the way, do you like watching "wayang golek" show?
ReplyDeleteSalam Eki, I LOVE this shot..we have wayang kulit but I guess golek sounds as fun too. I really would like to go to Indonesia one day...soon :D
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carving! Interesting to read about your culture!!
ReplyDeleteMy father also admires with Gatutkaca...sometimes in the Javanese culture; people, in their home, often display the picture,paint,or even sculpture of Gatutkaca...It's a symbol of powerful!
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