Dozens of ancient puppets and masks are on display in Preserving Tradition in Wayang at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Wayang is Southeast Asia’s traditional puppet theater; the exhibit focuses on artifacts specific to Indonesia, including wayang kulit, which are two-dimensional figures attached to long sticks. Since illumination brings them to life, they’re basically shadow puppets that can be operated just about anywhere. Also on view: three-dimensional wayang golek, which feature controlling rods that run the length of the puppets, and wooden masks used in time-honored dance ceremonies.
Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Starts: Aug. 8. Continues through Dec. 5

This article appears in Aug 2-8, 2006.