W. Java puppetmaker cashes in despite crumbling economy<\/p>\n
Text and photos by Suhardiansyah<\/p>\n
BOGOR, West Java (JP): Dase busied himself arranging Sundanese
\ntraditional wooden puppets (wayang golek) at his home in Lebak
\nKantin village.<\/p>\n
A few other workers sculpted heads and crowns of puppets in
\nthe house, which also functions as a workshop and gallery.<\/p>\n
Dase, who has pursued his career as a puppetmaker for decades,
\nsaid not all wood was suitable to make the puppets. Wood locally
\nknown as astonia and albasia are considered the best material
\nbecause they produce smooth and durable puppets.<\/p>\n
\"Thus, the price of the puppets does not depend solely on
\ntheir size, but also on the type of wood that it is made of,\"
\nDase said as he cleaned a puppet.<\/p>\n
Most of his customers are from abroad, tourists from such
\nplaces as the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia.<\/p>\n
\"That is why we sell our puppets in U.S. dollars. Prices range
\nfrom US$30 up to $100 apiece. We also cater for bigger puppets.\"<\/p>\n
The conversation was interrupted by a group of Australian
\ntourists, who walked in and enthusiastically examined the puppets
\non display.<\/p>\n
Dase tended to his customers in reasonably proficient English.
\nThe tourists' presence enlivened the workshop, formerly dominated
\nby the sound of people sculpting. Some of the visitors began to
\nbargain.<\/p>\n
They eventually bought several puppets and left.<\/p>\n
Dase employs six people; two workers are in charge of shaping
\nand sculpting, and the rest are assigned to painting details on
\nthe figures.<\/p>\n
He obtains the clothing and accessories for the puppets from
\nanother wayang golek specialist shop.<\/p>\n
\"Before the economic crisis, we used to earn a few million
\nrupiah a month. But now, due to the high American dollar exchange
\nrate, we can earn up to Rp 15 million rupiah per month.\"<\/p>\n
After 19 years of dedication to his art, Dase has achieved
\nmuch. While once he sold cheap artworks at the entrance gates to
\nthe Bogor Botanical Gardens, today he has earned respect as the
\nwell-known owner of a wayang golek Sunda gallery.<\/p>\n
From his profits, he is able to support the daily needs of his
\n11 children. He also never forgets his own hard past and is
\nalways willing to help out his needy neighbors.<\/p>\n
He recently donated foodstuffs to Lebak Kantin villagers.<\/p>\n
Dase highly respects the heritage and traditions of the art.
\nProfits are not a priority; he merely wants to maintain the life
\nhe has today.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/w-java-puppetmaker-cashes-in-despite-crumbling-economy-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}