At 19, Airell is carving out a future for wayang kulit

In the small village of Kampung Banggol Pak Esah, Kelantan, 19-year-old Muhammad Airell Amsyar Anuar is making waves in the world of wayang kulit, traditional shadow puppetry. Fascinated by the craft since childhood, Airell often observed his late uncle Mohd Nor Salleh crafting the intricate leather figures by hand. By 15, Airell had started taking orders from friends and neighbors, using a traditional process that involves preparing cow or goat hide, tracing patterns provided by customers, and carving with meticulous attention to detail.

The type of leather used for each puppet varies: cowhide for sturdier characters like Hanuman and Ratu, and goat hide for more delicate figures such as Seri Rama and Radin. Airell then attaches bamboo rods to the body and applies a clear base coat before painting, a process requiring great precision as both sides of the puppet must match perfectly. Decorative patterns are added using specialized punches, and a completed puppet may take between two days to a week, depending on its complexity.

Pricing for Airell's work ranges from RM150 to RM700, with popular characters including Seri Rama, Seri Dewi, Wok Long, and Pok Dogol. His creations are in demand not only for performances but also as decorations and collectibles, with orders coming from throughout Kelantan. However, Airell's passion extends beyond crafting the puppets; he is also learning to perform as a tok dalang, the storyteller who manipulates the puppets and voices the characters.

With four years of experience, Airell has also mastered the serunai, a traditional Javanese flute, and has already been hired for cultural performances, showcasing his skills on both sides of the screen.

Airell's dedication to preserving the art of wayang kulit is evident in his aspiration to expand his reach internationally, ensuring that this ancient craft continues to thrive for generations to come.