Ramakien: Hnang Yai Illustrations [Photo gallery]

The images depict characters from the 鈥淗nang Yai鈥� puppet theater which are related to the Ramakien鈥擳hailand's national epic representing the Siamese / Thai version of the Ramayana. The images are taken from Professor Satya Vrat Shastri鈥檚 book 鈥淩amayana in Southeast Asia鈥�. Hnang Yai is a traditional Thai shadow puppet theater featuring larger-than-life Ramakien characters crafted from cattle hide. These figures, intricately designed and embossed, are animated by skilled dancers using sticks. Unlike its smaller counterpart, Hnang Talung, Hnang Yai often doesn't use a screen; the sizable puppets are displayed in front for visibility. Accompanied by traditional Thai music, Hnang Yai brings the Ramakien epic to life with grandeur.