The Identity of Socio-Cultural Dynamics in Sangiran Batik

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine one type of batik that developed around the Sangiran Museum Building, Sragen Region, Central Java Province. The method used is a field study method by means of observation, interviews, and document analysis. Sangiran has a museum that stores ancient objects from the past, including ancient human remains. Sangiran is often referred to as The Land of Java Man. This condition also affects the background of batik forms in Sangiran and its surroundings. The archaeological museum and ancient human remains have become a source of inspiration for the creation of batik. Batik in Sangiran is often referred to as Sukawati batik. Sukawati is the name of Sragen region before 18th century in the time of Pangeran Mangkubumi. The influence of ancient human remains and ancient objects appears in batik motifs such as batik motifs of human evolution, batik motifs of carved ivory because there are elephant tusks from ancient times were found in Sangiran. There are also batik motifs derived from the myths of the local community, namely the motif of Dewi Sri or the Goddess of fertility. Batik has become the hallmark of the Sragen region and gave rise to the dynamics of batik life such as batik creation competitions, batik uniforms, and so on.