Amir Hamzah, uncle of the prophet Muhammad

Wayang Menak

Plays depicting the exploits of Amir Hamzah, the uncle of the prophet Muhammad, are popular in the rod puppet theater (wayang golek) of central and northern coastal Java. In this cycle of stories, called Wayang Menak, Amir Hamzah becomes the king of Arabia and must defend himself against the attacks of neighboring powers. He travels widely, encountering many obstacles in his attempts to spread Islam. Amir Hamzah’s loyal companion and master spy, Umar Maya, often accompanies him. One of their chief enemies is Patih Bastak, whose name in Arabic, Bakhtak, means “nightmare.” Scholars believe that these menak stories developed in the sixteenth century; they were later compiled in a manuscript called the Serat Menak.

Besides characters from Amir Hamzah stories, some puppets in this display portray the Javanese king Kuda Lalean, an early convert to Islam, and nine Muslim saints as represented by beloved jesters (panakawan).