Ancestral Legitimization and Syncretic Islam in the Wayang Klithik of Gotanjung’s Sedekah Bumi

Evi Selviawati; Syahrial Syahrial

doi:10.31091/mudra.v41i1.3131

Authors

Evi Selviawati Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia
Syahrial Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31091/mudra.v41i1.3131

Keywords:

Wayang Klithik, Sedekah Bumi, Ritual Performance, Syncretic Islam, Ancestral Legitimization

Abstract

Wayang klithik is a two-dimensional wooden puppetry tradition found in Central and East Java. In Gotanjung Village, Pati Regency, Central Java, wayang klithik is performed every year as part of sedekah bumi ceremony, a ritual to express gratitude for agricultural blessings. This study analyzes how wayang klithik in Gotanjung’s sedekah bumi functions as a ritual performance in which ancestral legitimation within a syncretic Islamic framework serves as a mechanism that sustains the tradition. It also examines how sedekah bumi and wayang klithik work together in reinforcing Gotanjung’s agrarian identity. Employing a performative ethnographic method, data were collected through field observations, interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that wayang klithik performance in sedekah bumi plays a crucial role in demonstrating the practice of tawassul through ancestral figures within syncretic Islam, providing a case study of how local cosmology and religious syncretism intersect to sustain cultural legitimacy. The study contributes to understanding how Islamic devotional practices are negotiated within a Javanese cosmocentric framework through ritual performance, offering insights for the preservation of both sedekah bumi and wayang klithik traditions.

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Author Biographies

Evi Selviawati, Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia

Evi Selviawati is a Master's student in Literature Studies specializing in Oral Tradition at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia. Her research focuses on performance studies, particularly wayang performances. Beyond her academic pursuits, Evi is keen on integrating digital tools into humanities research. She also collaborates with wayang golek artists to organize workshops in Bogor, catering to both Indonesian and international audiences, promoting Indonesia's rich traditional arts.

Syahrial, Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia

Dr. Syahrial, S.S., M.Hum., is a lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities (Fakultas Ilmu Pengetahuan Budaya) at the University of Indonesia (Universitas Indonesia). His work focuses on preserving and promoting traditional arts, such as Gamelan Sari Oneng, Silat Kelabang Liar, and Kias Lampung. His research on Kias Lampung was later developed into a book titled Kias Tradisi Lisan Orang Lampung. He has been actively involved in several community service and empowerment programs (Pengabdian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat, or PPM) from 2019 to 2023.

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Ancestral Legitimization and Syncretic Islam in the Wayang Klithik of Gotanjung’s Sedekah Bumi

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Author Biographies

Evi Selviawati, Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia

Syahrial, Oral Tradition Studies, Department of Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia

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