Wayang

Wayang (puppet theater) was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Bali before access to television became widespread. In addition to offering entertainment, dalang (puppeteers) use wayang to convey moral and political messages, and puppet performances are required, or at least recommended, for many rituals. In the most common form of wayang the stories come from the Hindu epic the Mahabharata. The puppets made of cowhide and carved with intricate lacy designs cast beautiful shadows on a screen when light shines around them.