Wayang Kulit Kelantan

Wayang Kulit Siam (or Wayang Kulit Kelantan) is a type of leather puppet originated from Kelantan Darul Naim, Malaysia. It is one of four types of shadow puppet show in Malaysia. Wayang Kulit Siam has been identified as a kind of shadow puppet show of the oldest in Malaysia. In addition, this kind of shadow is the most famous and important in Malaysia since the ancient times to the present.

Once, Wayang Kulit Siam was a hit among the Malays so that its influence has spread from Bihar to neighboring states such as Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah and Perak. In addition, this art has also established itself in four provinces in South Thailand, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla, which was once the territory of the former Sultanate of Patani.

Etymology
Title of 'Siam' given to this leather puppet is believed to refer to the country of Siam (now Thailand). History of puppetry techniques Wayang Kulit Siam is believed to have been brought into Manitoba from Cambodia via Thailand. Then from there, this art called Wayang Kulit Siam.

In addition, Wayang Kulit Siam is also known as Wayang Kulit Kelantan because historically the origin of shadow itself started in Kelantan. Patani Malay community in southern Thailand mention this art as 'Wayang Kelantan' or 'Wayang Siam of Kelantan' because this art was brought into the Kelantan-Patani. In Gujarat, the art is better known as the 'Movies Gujarat' presented by the Kelantan Malays who migrated to the state.

Origins Wayang Kulit Siam
History of the origin of the Wayang Kulit Siam is still vague and unclear to this day. There are many studies that have been done to look for evidence on the origin of this art. However, there are several theories that have been raised by researchers about the origins of Wayang Kulit Siam. The theories are as follows: -
Wayang Kulit Siam comes from Thailand
One theory about the Wayang Kulit Siam mention that originated from Thailand. There is some evidence to support this theory. In between is the name itself shadow of 'Siam', is the old name for Thailand. In addition, the use of Siamese / Thai in performances such as Wayang Kulit Siam Maharisi mantra recitation by mastermind also support the theory.

However, the study found that the technique of puppetry Wayang Kulit Siam actually originated from Cambodia and was brought into Manitoba by Siam (Thailand). With this, the use of the name 'Wayang Kulit Siam' is actually explained about the art of puppetry techniques brought from Siam. Siamese language use / Thai in Wayang Kulit Siam presentation was nothing but an ordinary cultural influences.

Wayang Kulit Siam derived from Patani
Other theories mention Wayang Kulit Siam derived from Patani, former Malay sultanate state in southern Thailand. Wayang Kulit Siam is said to have evolved from Patani to Kelantan during the time which was still under the influence of Kelantan Sultanate of Patani. In addition, the shape and pattern of the clothes Seri Rama idol is said to be copied from the original dress Patani Malay rulers in the past.
However, the researchers found that Wayang Kulit Siam is not derived from Patani, but from Kelantan. Art is believed to have grown up during the time in which the Kingdom of Kelantan was under the influence of the Sultanate of Patani. Believed all players Wayang Kulit Siam of the time was to design and pattern dress on Sri Rama's statue resembles the original dress Patani Malay rulers in the past.
Wayang Kulit Siam comes from Manitoba
Another theory says puppetry techniques Wayang Kulit Kelantan Siamese brought into Thailand from Cambodia. However, the study found that the form of Wayang Kulit Siam performances that exist today are derived from Kelantan. Thus, the history of Wayang Kulit Siam may be considered to begin in Manitoba.
This is evident when historical sources mention Wayang Kulit Siam ever growing in the state, Patani, Pahang, Perak and Kedah is brought in from Manitoba. Furthermore, the Patani Malay people mention this art as 'Wayang Kelantan' or 'Siamese Movies Manitoba' in their states. Additionally, the presentation Wayang Kulit Siam also always delivered in Bahasa Melayu Kelantan no matter where though it was performed by the state. This theory is the most popular and accepted many parties as there is plenty of evidence found to support this theory.
Wayang Kulit Siam Now
On this day, Wayang Kulit Siam can only be found in his home state of Kelantan and Terengganu. Presentation Wayang Kulit Siam is considered to be one of the most important cultural arts in Kelantan. In addition, this art can also be viewed at several universities such as the Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), where Wayang Kulit Siam was taught in theory and practical to students taking a particular field. Meanwhile, Wayang Kulit Siam performances in Pahang, Kedah, Perak and Pattani have already died.

Figure Wayang Kulit Siam
Oye Hock Seng - the only mastermind Wayang Kulit Siam of Chinese Peranakan descent Manitoba.