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