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Indonesian Gunungan Shadow Puppet
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Indonesian Gunungan Shadow Puppet
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Indonesian Gunungan Shadow Puppet

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.763887.1.a-b
Object Type Puppet, Shadow
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, horn, paint, textile, foam, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a Puppet) H 30 in x W 13 in x D 1/2 in (76.2 cm x 33 cm x 1.3 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.b Puppet on Base) H 30 in x W 13 in x D 2 1/8 in (76.2 cm x 33 cm x 5.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionIndonesian shadow puppet on wooden base. The multi-colored wooden shadow puppet is in the shape of a gunungan, a conical shape inspired by a mountain or volcano and it is intricately carved and painted. One side depicts palace gates with a guard on either side and a tree of life on top of the mountain with animals which represent wilderness. The reverse side depicts fire with a demonic face at the center. The puppet is attached to a post/handle made from amber-colored animal horn. The base is stained brown and has one central hole to hold the shadow puppet.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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