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

At 19, Muhammad Airell Amsyar Anuar is developing a promising future for the traditional Indonesian puppetry art form known as wayang kulit. Hailing from Kampung Banggol Pak Esah in Kelantan, Airell discovered his passion for shadow puppetry at a young age, often observing his late uncle, Mohd Nor Salleh, craft the intricate leather figures.

By the age of 15, Airell had started taking orders from friends and neighbors, constructing puppets using traditional materials like cow or goat skin, which he prepared and dried for about a week. Customers would provide a picture or caricature of the desired character, which Airell would trace onto the leather before beginning the meticulous carving process.

The type of leather used can vary depending on the character; cowhide is typically employed for sturdier or more aggressive figures, while goat hide suits others like Seri Rama, Seri Dewi, and Radin.

After carving, bamboo rods are added to allow the puppet to be manipulated during performances, and a clear base coat is applied before painting begins. This stage requires utmost concentration, as both sides of the puppet must match perfectly. Decorative patterns are crafted using around 20 specialized punches, such as Kuku, Budu, Siam Dua, Bunga Jawa, and Bunga Bismillah.

A single puppet can take anywhere from two days to a week to complete, depending on its size and complexity. The most frequently requested characters are Seri Rama, Seri Dewi, Wok Long, and Pok Dogol, with prices ranging from RM150 to RM700.

Airell's involvement in wayang kulit extends beyond the crafting process. He is also learning the art of performing as a tok dalang, the storyteller who manipulates the puppets and voices the characters. With four years of experience under his belt, Airell has also mastered playing the serunai, a traditional flute, and has been booked to perform at various cultural events.

This dual expertise allows him to experience both sides of the puppetry tradition, from creating the puppets to bringing the stories to life before an audience.

For Airell, the skills he has acquired are integral to the same tradition his late uncle introduced him to as a child. He aspires to expand his craft to international markets while ensuring that younger generations continue to appreciate and learn about wayang kulit, preventing the art form from fading away with time.