Theatrical headdress for the magical deer in the Ramayana (Epic of Rama) dance-drama

Place of OriginCentral Thailand

Dateapprox. 1950-1960

MaterialsPapier-mache, glass, and mixed media

DimensionsH. 19 in x W. 9 1/2 in x D. 9 in, H. 48.3 cm x W. 24.1 cm x D. 22.9 cm

Credit LineGift from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection

Object number2006.27.10.9

DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art

ClassificationsTheatrical Arts

On View

Not on view

More Information

Ravana (Thai: Thotsakan), a demon king, seeks to abduct Sita, the wife of the hero Rama. To lure Rama from Sita's side, he has one of his demons take the form of a beautiful magic deer. When Sita sees it, she asks her husband to hunt it down for her. While he is away, Ravana succeeds in carrying her off.