Kilas Balik Tari Topeng Malangan Sebagai Bentuk Budaya Lokal | #1Hari1Topeng

Summary

Topeng Malang is a centuries-old art form originating from the Kanjuruhan Kingdom in Malang, Indonesia, initially used in spiritual rituals. Passed down through five generations, the art form is preserved by the Padepokan Seni Topeng Asmorobangun. The vibrant masks, symbolizing various characters such as heroes, villains, and animals, carry deep moral lessons on the triumph of good over evil, the importance of nature, and spiritual harmony. Despite modern challenges, leader Tri Handoyo emphasizes the need for younger generations to embrace this cultural heritage, ensuring its survival and continued relevance in today’s world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Topeng Malang, a traditional mask dance from Malang, East Java, dates back to the Kingdom of Kanjuruhan, where it was originally made from gold and used in rituals for summoning ancestral spirits.
• 😀 Padepokan Seni Topeng Asmorobangun was established on October 30, 1982, with government support, to preserve and promote Topeng Malang, following its recognition as the cultural envoy of East Java in 1978.
• 😀 The tradition of Topeng Malang spans five generations, starting with Mbah Rul and continuing with Mbah Kiman, Mbah Karimun (a National Maestro), and now Handoyo.
• 😀 The unique features of Topeng Malang masks include bright, bold colors, intricate decorations, and a cula (top ornament), symbolizing the concept of Tri Hita Karana from Hindu-Buddhist teachings.
• 😀 The dance movements in Topeng Malang are energetic and jerky, emphasizing dramatic expressions, as opposed to smooth, flowing movements found in other regional dance forms.
• 😀 Historically, the masks were used in religious ceremonies during the Majapahit period, later evolving to be used in performances for welcoming guests and paying homage.
• 😀 Topeng Malang performances convey important moral lessons, including the victory of good over evil, respect for nature, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with the divine.
• 😀 The transition to modernity has led to adjustments in Topeng Malang, such as updating the language used in performances to modern Indonesian, while preserving sacred songs and rituals.
• 😀 The masks used in performances are crafted from different woods, such as sengon for souvenir masks and more durable woods like nangka and beringin for those used in performances, which take weeks to craft.
• 😀 The group, led by Handoyo, currently has 76 different characters, divided into four categories: good, evil, humorous, and animal characters, with five key figures appearing in every story.
• 😀 Handoyo hopes to inspire the younger generation to preserve the art of Topeng Malang by connecting them with their cultural heritage and ensuring the art form is recognized globally.

Q & A

What is the historical background of the Malang mask art?

The Malang mask art has existed since the early 1900s, originating during the Kanjuruhan Kingdom in Malang. The masks were originally made from gold and were used in religious rituals to call upon ancestral spirits.

Who is Tri Handoyo and what role does he play in the art community?

Tri Handoyo, also known as Handoyo, is the current leader of Padepokan Seni Topeng Asmorobangun. He has been instrumental in maintaining and promoting Malang's traditional mask dance and has been involved in cultural initiatives since the 1970s.

How did the establishment of the Sanggar Budaya Asmorobangun come about?

The Sanggar Budaya Asmorobangun was established in 1982 by the local government after the Padepokan Seni Topeng Asmorobangun was recognized as the Cultural Ambassador of East Java in 1978. The facility was built to provide space for practicing and performing traditional mask dances.

What are the key differences between Malang masks and those from other regions?

Malang masks are distinctive for their bright, 'nyorak' colors and intricate decorations, particularly on the top. They also feature a unique 'cula' or prominent top ornament, which is associated with Hindu-Buddhist beliefs from the time of the Kanjuruhan Kingdom.

What is the significance of 'culah' in Malang masks?

The 'cula' is a protruding feature at the top of the mask, symbolizing a connection to the spiritual and divine. It is rooted in the belief that the Malang masks were developed during the Hindu-Buddhist period and represent the 'Tri Hita Karana' concept of harmony.

How has the mask dance evolved to adapt to modern times?

The mask dance has evolved to incorporate contemporary language and storytelling, making it more accessible to younger audiences. Traditional elements such as the use of ancient songs (tembang) are preserved, but the dialogue is now in modern Indonesian to ensure better understanding.

What are the key materials used in crafting Malang masks?

Malang masks are made from various types of wood. For souvenir masks, the wood used is sengon, while for performance masks, more durable woods like kembang, nangka, beringin, and mentaos are used.

How long does it take to make a Malang mask, and what factors influence the time required?

It takes about three days to make a souvenir mask, while performance masks require at least three weeks. The difference in time is due to the complexity and durability needed for the performance masks.

Who are the key characters in the Malang mask performances?

Key characters in Malang mask performances include Panji Asmorobangun (a brave knight), Dewi Sekartaji (a loyal princess), Raden Gunungsari (a beauty-loving prince), Klana Sewandana (the antagonist king), and Bapang Jaya Sentika (a youthful and talkative character).

What cultural values are conveyed through Malang's mask performances?

The performances emphasize key moral lessons, including the triumph of good over evil, the importance of preserving nature, and the need for humans to seek guidance from a higher power when facing insurmountable challenges.