Bias Meaning of Symbols and Sings of Indonesian Topeng Malangan Puppet Show

Abstract

The study is devoted to the discussion of symbols and signs in the Topeng Malangan puppet mask show, which is a traditional heritage of the ancient Javanese society. The Wayang or mask show is described as a depiction of human nature. Its very existence gives rise to many interpretations of the symbolism and meanings contained in it, and these conflicting interpretations seek to convey to their public their own vision of human essence in various historical circumstances. The costumed show of masked characters, like the masks themselves, cannot be separated from historical stories, such as Malangan Topeng Wayang , which tells about the history of the kingdoms of Daha and Jenggala , where the conflicting interpretations contained in the narration of symbols and signs are fully observed. Using a semiotic approach based on the R. Barthes model, the article explores the mythologized mask show, analyzes the symbols rooted in ancient history, which have come down to us in the form of drawings documented on fabric painting, lontars - manuscripts on palm leaves or in ancient books. The results of the study proved that the symbolism of signs and ancient artifacts of Malangan Topeng Wayang is rooted in retold stories that turn into folk fantasy myths that celebrate the heroism and kindness of the people of Indonesia. Nevertheless, these stories also show the presence of shameful pages of the past, hushed up by the community, since they immanently have more negative connotations which contribute to the emergence of some semantic bias, that, if misinterpreted, can distort historical facts.