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

Indonesian Kresna Shadow Puppet

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.763887.2.a-b
Object Type Puppet, Shadow
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, metal, adhesive, horn, paint, plastic
DimensionsOverall - 3D (On Base) H 26 1/2 in x W 12 1/2 in x D 2 1/4 in (67.3 cm x 31.8 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionIndonesian shadow puppet on a base. The puppet depicts Batarakresna from the Mahabarata legend. Figure is painted black with intricate gold, pink, blue, red, white, yellow, and green stylized decorative embellishments. There are small dragon figures attached to the arms and feet and tucked into the back of the head. The center of the figure is attached to a center post. The arms are movable: each hand is attached to a post so it can be manipulated. Puppet comes with a wooden base with holes for the posts and a gold-colored metal plate attached to the front that spells "Kresna." There is a descriptive sticker attached to the reverse.
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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