Wayang
/waˈjaŋ/noun
A traditional Indonesian puppet-theater tradition, especially the shadow-puppet performances of Java and Bali.
Did you know?In wayang kulit, the dalang—the puppeteer and narrator—traditionally controls every character while performing voices, music, moral instruction, and mythic drama.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Malayo-Polynesian (proposed)
PMP
*bayang
“A reconstructed Austronesian form associated with shadow or image; its connection to wayang is proposed rather than certain.”
Old Javanese, 9th–14th Century
Old Javanese
wayang
“Shadow, image, or theatrical figure; the term is associated with early Javanese performance traditions.”
Classical Javanese
Javanese
wayang
“A puppet or dramatic performance, especially one presenting stories from mythology and epic literature.”
Modern Indonesian
Indonesian
wayang
“Traditional puppet theater, including shadow puppetry and other performance forms.”
Modern English
English
wayang
“Indonesian puppet theater, especially Javanese or Balinese shadow theater.”
Explore more surprising origins