Wayang Kulit & The Kraton

The Craft: Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit, a sacred art form using detailed shadow figures, tells ceremonial and cultural stories that reflect the deep spiritual life of Java. These shadow puppets are meticulously hand-crafted from buffalo hide (kulit), pierced with fine tools to create intricate patterns that cast delicate shadows.

A single performance (lakon) can last an entire night, accompanied by a gamelan orchestra, serving as a medium for moral instruction and cultural preservation. The movement of the puppets, guided by the Dalang (puppeteer), represents the fluid boundary between the human and spiritual worlds.

The Building: The Kraton

The Kraton Royal Court, or the Palace of Yogyakarta, is more than just a royal residence; it is a physical manifestation of Javanese cosmology. The architecture is designed to reflect the balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.

Its pavilions (pendopos) feature intricate woodwork and symbolic layouts that mirror the complexity and spiritual depth of the Wayang traditions performed within its walls. Every courtyard and gate has a specific spiritual meaning, creating a sacred geography for the Sultan and his people.

Javanese Cosmology

The layout of the Kraton is aligned with the 'Mount Merapi - Palapa - Indian Ocean' axis, representing the link between the earth and the heavens. This same alignment is found in the wayang stage, where the screen represents the world and the shadows represent the spirits of ancestors.