Nang Yai Shadow Puppets

Nang Yai shadow puppets are used in puppet dramas that form an important part of Thai art. The beautiful puppets, Nang Yai, which means large puppet in Thai, are made from buffalo/cow hide and carved in intricate patterns that depict historical characters from Thailand and India.

During a performance light is projected from behind the puppets through a white screen so the audience see shadow characters that are moved by the puppeteers who act out different story lines. Traditionally the performances were held in the open air and the light provided by a fire. Nowadays modern lighting equipment is used. The performance is also accompanied by a storyteller and music.

You can see a performance at only in a few places in Thailand, one of which is Wat Khanon, Ratchaburi, which is the main center for this art form and is where this photograph was taken in the puppet museum.

Historically this form of entertainment dates back many centuries and there is clear evidence of its presence during the Ayutthaya period of history.

Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens
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