Leather Puppetry (Ravan’s Shadow Puppetry)

This gallery showcases leather puppetry from Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. In bygone days, before the advent of television or film, shadow puppetry captivated audiences in rural villages. A light source positioned behind the puppet casts its shadow onto a screen placed in front, creating captivating silhouettes as the puppets are maneuvered.

Types

Andhra and Telangana puppets are characterized by vibrant colours and intricate craftsmanship, featuring articulated joints for the hands, legs, and other body parts. In contrast, Odisha leather puppets are crafted from a single piece of leather, restricting movement to the entire body. These puppets remain uncolored, allowing the natural hue of the leather to dictate the shadow’s color. For instance, deer skin yields a reddish-brown shadow, while pig or buffalo skin produces a darker hue.

Themes

The performances often centre around mythological tales of Rama and Ravana, accompanied by captivating music. In Odisha, Ravana’s character is portrayed amidst a melodic backdrop featuring instruments like the harmonium, Khanjani, Dhola, Daskathia, and Gini, enriching the storytelling experience.