The existence of West Java art has long been a mainstay in regional potential since time immemorial. The wide variety of regional arts that have been passed down by the ancestors, is still preserved today. Culture in the area has always been an inherent identity to be known to the wider community.
All regions in Indonesia must have their own culture and customs to highlight as self-identity. All elements of society also participate so that the variety of art that is born remains sustainable at any time. In addition to being done for the preservation of local culture, of course, it can be used as an attraction to tourists.
For visitors who come to this region, certainly no stranger to a variety of unique performances. Until now, community entertainment is still held to respect customs so that it never fades later. Because the area is very large, it is not surprising that the development of the culture can be known by the community.
Many people are interested in getting to know more about West Java art because it has a uniqueness. By getting to know the culture of an area, you must be more respectful of the existence of customs that are upheld. So, the following list of arts should be used as a reference so that you have a view of culture.
The Tradition of Wayang Golek Art Becomes Community Entertainment
In ancient times, of course, there was no advanced technology like now in people’s lives in Indonesia. In an effort to find entertainment, it is not surprising if various kinds of performances always bring up regional art. Various instruments can be used and utilized as well as possible to attract traction from the community.
Various forms of art media are still created and done manually in every performance held. One form of entertainment at that time often used puppet media to convey stories. Various stories are also told based on legends that have been conveyed for generations by ancestors depending on the culture.
In addition to using stories and legends to bring into the show, it turns out that there is also often humor. This West Java art is often used so that residents can enjoy comedy. Since the past, comedy has often been performed in order to invite laughter to every audience.
Wayang golek which in fact becomes a special art form, has a shape resembling a small human figure. But of course the form of the golek puppet is formed according to its character to be more varied during the show. It is also used to make it easier for the audience to get to know each character from the puppet.
Each puppeteer as a person who controls the wayang golek, must have its own characteristics related to carrying. Until now, some puppeteers have a high popularity if they are able to invite traction during the show. Because there is still this art form until now, wayang golek will always be a favorite.
Sisingaan Is Often Used as a Demonstration of Certain Customary Events
Continuing in the discussion of other West Java arts , it turns out that each event has a certain performance according to its customs. In addition to aiming as a spectacle, it turns out that various arts are also done to preserve culture in society. By following the development of existing art, it must be able to provide a unique sensation while enjoying the show.
At this point, it will be explained in detail about the side that is also popular all the time. Sisingaan can be found at certain events with the aim of enlivening someone’s blasphemy. Residents who have a certain blasphemy, will hold a side to be commemorated as the moment of a lifetime.
Usually, the side is done when a boy goes through circumcision or circumcision to be celebrated immediately. Circumcision is done once in a lifetime, so many residents want to hold a special event for their children. The traditional form of event is usually done by making a convoy in the form of a guided lion.
During the convoy process from West Java art , the child will be raised by the body of an artificial lion. Later, children who are having a crush will be taken around an area near where they live. This is also intended so that the surrounding residents know that the child has performed circumcision.
Until now, the tradition of sisingaan is still preserved to commemorate the once in life moment in a child. You can also participate to preserve the culture when you have a determined blasphemy. So, until at any time the form of tradition from the side will never fade from people’s lives.
Angklung Music Art One of the Regional Instruments
Looking at the development of the times according to the timeline, the form of regional performances must be available in various different forms. In the previous discussion, you have begun to know about wayang golek and sisingaan as an example. But this time, the art of music is also very closely related in west Java art culture.
Music is always created so that in the lives of local residents can enjoy the sound of songs as a form of entertainment. Various musical instruments will be played simultaneously in order to form a beautiful sound to enjoy. Many people think that life without music feels less colorful.
When you know the art of music in west Java, of course you are no stranger to angklung. This type of instrument always appears in citizen entertainment to become a music scene. Usually, angklung can be found on a gamelan to create a unique sound as a musical decoration.
Angklung is made of bamboo that is arranged in such a way as to be able to make sounds when being shocked. To play this West Java art tool , it only requires hands that are moved quickly. In general, angklung instrument players consist of many people at once in order to form a diverse sound.
Because angklung as a musical instrument, it means that the instrument has a tone pattern when played correctly. You can learn angklung and bring the tool to modern music because it has a distinctive voice. In other words, angklung has always been able to be preserved into music even in modern times.
Lumping Horse as a Favorite Culture and Show
Discussing other folk entertainment, of course, it cannot be separated from the existence of lumping horses because of its popularity. Basically, horse lumping is a dance that has a unique style in performing. From then until now, this type of entertainment has always been sought after and is still in demand by the public.
West Java art dance called horse lumping consists of many elements at once in presenting hiburan. Starting from the dancer and the music player, have their own role so that the spectacle is more interesting. One of the uniqueness of this traditional event lies in the extreme scenes performed by dancers.
At first, dancers will perform a special ritual as the opening of the event since the music has begun. When ready, the dancer will start his movement by riding a horse made of special webbing. In a few moments, the dancer is possessed and will perform dangerous scenes at the core of the show.
Usually, assistants begin to give glass and lights for dancers to eat while being possessed. Although the scene is very dangerous, uniquely the dancer will not suffer the slightest injury during the scene. In fact, logically certainly has the potential to pose a danger to the dancer’s body when experiencing such possession.
According to local indigenous beliefs, the science of invulnerability has been studied by dancers and gained strength when possessed. Despite this, lumping horses are still popular and able to entertain the public. That way, the hereditary tradition of West Java art from the ancestors will never fade.