View source for De wereld van de wayang

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{{Books
|Title=De wereld van de wayang
|Subtitle=De schim van het verleden werpt zijn schaduw vooruit
|Category=Wayang
|Author=Rene S. Wassing
|Publisher=Volkenkundig Museum Nusantara, Delft
|Published=1983
|Language=Dutch
}}
== Summary ==
When people talk about wayang today, they know where they start, but not where they end. The concept of wayang has become so extensive and complicated for us that it can be used in many different ways. One could simply say that wayang is the traditional Javanese shadow play. In its bare core, this statement is correct. But just like an onion, a large number of skins, coats, layers, worlds have been built around this core, which have given the concept of wayang a multitude of meanings, whereby this simple fact has grown into a versatile, contemporary manifestation that has had an influence not only on Java and Indonesia, but even in our Western world.

The question: 'What is wayang actually?', will be asked several times in this story. And, depending on the context, a different answer will always be given. Together they form the Ten Thousand Things, which as an inseparable unity evoke the total image of wayang. Bookshelves full of writings have been written about wayang; in a mythological sense, analytical, narrative, educational and future-oriented. A wealth of data has already been collected in this way.

Most of these have already been published so often that it is not necessary to mention them all here again. After all, this catalogue is not intended as an encyclopaedia full of compelling facts. However, where necessary, references will be made to them and where useful, they will be mentioned again. Rather, this catalogue has been written as a handy guide in the fascinating maze of the wayang world. A guide, therefore, that aims to bring out and clarify the connections between the various facets of this wayang world.  In order to evoke an image of recognition in the public, whereby fragments of personal experience and observation slide together into a whole as if in a closed jigsaw puzzle.

The exhibition largely follows the layout of the catalogue, by making the great diversity in the wayang world visible over a broad area by means of the objects. For those who want to delve deeper into individual aspects of the wayang, reference is made to the existing literature on the subject.

René S. Wassing

[[Category:Books]]