The hunt

At Sita's request, Rama goes in pursuit of the golden deer. To get Laksman out of the way, a demon later imitates Rama's voice calling for help from the forest. (Learn more)

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A Javanese dancer playing Rama pursues another dancer wearing the costume of a golden deer in a performance at Yogyakarta in July 1986.

A Javanese dancer wears a golden deer costume in a Ramayana performance at Yogyakarta in July 1986. The dancer’s eyes are visible through an oval window opening cut into the neck of the deer costume. The dancer’s arms and legs form the four legs of the deer.

The deer head of the costume is sculpted, probably of wood, while the body of the costume is sewn of golden velvet cloth. The dancer wears small bells sewn onto wrist and ankle bands, plus a red print neck scarf that matches the fabric worn by other dancers in the performance.

Learn more about Indonesia, Rama, Ramayana, Yogyakarta, art, costumes, dance, deer, demons, and performance.

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