SEJARAH DIBALIK PEMBUATAN TOPENG CIREBON YANG DIANGGAP SAKRAL

Summary

The Cirebon mask (Topeng Cirebon) is a sacred traditional art form crafted from soft wood, requiring skill and patience. Historically centered in palaces, it has now spread to rural communities, evolving into various styles. The masks are linked to ancient Indonesian creation beliefs and Hindu-Buddhist philosophies, symbolizing emanation, where creation is inseparable from the divine. The mask dance is not merely entertainment but a ritual involving fasting, meditation, and sacred offerings. The video explores the cultural significance of Cirebon masks and their transformation over time, inviting viewers to discover more in future episodes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cirebon masks are made from soft, easily moldable wood, requiring precision, patience, and significant time to craft, even for skilled artisans.
• 😀 Creating a Cirebon mask can take up to a full day, emphasizing the complexity and dedication involved in the craft.
• 😀 The masks are traditionally used in mask dance performances, an important aspect of Cirebon's cultural heritage.
• 😀 Originally centered around royal palaces, Cirebon masks have spread to rural communities, becoming a folk art form enjoyed by the general population.
• 😀 The transformation of Cirebon mask art has led to the development of different styles, including Losari, Selangit, Reog, and Paling Mana.
• 😀 Cirebon masks symbolize the creation of the universe according to ancient Indonesian and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs.
• 😀 The belief in emanation is central to Cirebon masks, where creation is viewed as a manifestation of a higher being, blurring the line between creator and creation.
• 😀 Cirebon mask dances are sacred rituals, not mere performances or entertainment, holding deep spiritual significance.
• 😀 Historical texts indicate that the mask dance was once performed in a private, sacred setting, with only select individuals witnessing the performance.
• 😀 To perform the mask dance, practitioners undergo strict fasting, abstinence, and meditation, a tradition still followed by modern Cirebon mask dancers.

Q & A

What is the material used to make Cirebon masks?

Cirebon masks are made from soft wood that is easy to shape but still requires precision and patience in the crafting process.

How long does it take to make a single Cirebon mask?

Even an experienced craftsman requires up to one day to make a single Cirebon mask.

What type of art is Cirebon mask typically used for?

Cirebon masks are used in performing arts, specifically in traditional mask dances.

Where did the Cirebon mask tradition originate?

Cirebon masks originally centered around the royal courts, but over time, they spread to rural farming communities.

How has the Cirebon mask evolved over time?

The Cirebon mask has gone through various transformations, leading to the development of different styles such as Losari, Selangit, Reog, and others.

What is the symbolic meaning of Cirebon masks in relation to the creation of the universe?

Cirebon masks symbolize the creation of the universe based on ancient Indonesian systems and the Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit belief in emanation, where creation is seen as a part of the divine.

How does the belief system of emanation influence the creation of Cirebon masks?

The belief in emanation suggests that creation is an extension of the divine, meaning there is no distinction between the creator and the created, which is reflected in the symbolic nature of the Cirebon masks.

Are Cirebon mask dances considered entertainment?

No, the mask dances are not considered entertainment; they are sacred rituals. The dances require fasting, abstinence, and meditation, and were historically performed in limited spaces with select audiences.

What preparation is needed before performing the Cirebon mask dance?

Before performing the mask dance, it is essential to prepare offerings, which symbolize the diversity left behind, rather than providing food for deities.

What role do the dalangs (puppeteers) play in Cirebon mask performances?

Dalangs, or puppeteers, are responsible for performing the Cirebon mask dances, and they still adhere to traditional practices such as fasting, abstaining from certain activities, and meditating before the performance.