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Bababun, a character from the story “Untung Surapati”
Bababun, a character from the story “Untung Surapati”

Bababun, a character from the story “Untung Surapati”

Artist Pak Rohman Indonesian
Place of OriginGebang, West Java, Indonesia; Gebang, West Java
Dateapprox. 1980
MaterialsWood, cloth and mixed media
DimensionsH. 33 in x W. 7 1/4 in x D. 3 1/4 in, H. 83.8 cm x W. 18.4 cm x D. 8.3 cm
Credit LineFrom The Mimi and John Herbert Collection
Object number2023.98
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsTheatrical Arts
On View
Not on view
Text Entries

Wayang Golek Cepak

The word cepak means “flat,” and it is used to describe the flattened headdresses of the rod puppets made primarily in northern coastal and Central Java. Unlike the puppets of West Java, which have high headdresses and are used in plays based on great Indian epics, in this region a different repertoire of plays is popular, especially those based on indigenous and Islamic stories.

Stories revolving around an East Javanese prince named Panji are particularly admired along the northern coast of Java. A collection of oral and written stories, the Panji tales were first formulated in East Java in the fifteenth century. Aspects of the narratives suggest connections with historical figures, but other aspects are pure fantasy. A central theme in many of the tales is the quest of Panji for his beloved, a princess named Candra Kirana. Renditions of this romance are popular for performances celebrating a wedding. In the cepak tradition one puppet can be used for a variety of characters.