What is Gunungan Wayang? maybe not many more know the philosophy
of Gunungan wayang and its history, in the History of Java Museum in
Yogyakarta, we can know more about what Gunungan Wayang are.
This new museum does seek information and education in the content
it presents, but still does not leave artistic and entertainment aspects.
In the pyramid-shaped museum, the concept of eduarteinment is
indeed a mainstay, they also adapt technology to facilitate understanding of
content, such as the use of Augmented Reality and 3D films.
In other parts, even this museum offers visitors to interact
self-photos with thematic diorama spaces.
When you finish swapping, visitors can buy snacks or enjoy a meal
at "Malioboro food street" a concept of food corners that are owned
by this museum, or even enjoy art performances held on a large stage at the
rear end of the museum.
In wayang, gunungan is a special figure inspired by the mountain
and their contents. Gunungan has many functions in puppet shows, therefore many
different depictions.
In the standard function, as the opening and closing of a
performance, two Gunungans are put on two different sides. On one side, at the
bottom there is a picture of a gate guarded by two giants holding swords and
shields. It symbolizes the palace gate, and when played gunungan is used as a
palace. On the top of the mountain is a tree of life (kalpataru) which is
wrapped by a dragon snake. In the branch of the tree, some forest animals are
described, such as tigers, bulls, monkeys and birds.
The picture as a whole describes the situation in the wilderness.
This side symbolizes the state of the world and its contents. On the reverse
side, it is described as flames burning. This symbolizes chaos and hell.
Before the puppet is played, the gunungan is put in the middle of
the screen, leaning slightly to the right which means that the puppet play has
not yet begun, like a world that has not been narrated. After being played,
Gunungan is revoked, lined up on the right.
There are two Gunungans kinds, namely Gunungan Gapuran and
Gunungan Blumbangan. Blumbangan Gunungan was composed by Sunan Kalijaga in the
Demak Kingdom era. Then in the Kartasura era, it was composed again with the
Gapuran Gunungan.
a complete exposure isn't it? so what are you waiting for, prepare
yourself to become a visitor of the History of Java museum, and enjoy exploring
the past with fun.
