TYPOLOGICAL ICONS IN TENGGER MASK PUPPET SHOW REFLECTING THE NATURAL AND SOCIOCULTURAL PHENOMENA OF TENGGER COMMUNITY

Abstract

Tengger mask puppet show is one of fascinating and unique Tengger local cultures. It still exists
in the middle of Tengger community because related to the belief of them, if they have children
called anak ontang anting, pancuran kaapit sendang, sendang kaapit pancuran, and pandawa
lima, they must be ritually cleansed (getting a special ceremony called Ruwatan). If not, they will
be eaten by Bethara Kala. This belief is still bestowed by Tengger community. Ruwatan
Ceremony uses Tengger mask puppet show as the media. Tengger mask puppet show contains
many typological icons. Typological icons are signs that have direct similar relationship between
signifier and signified. The typological icons in Tengger mask puppet show reflect the real life of
natural and socio-cultural conditions of Tengger community. The typological icons relate to
forests, mountains, agriculture, the countryside, and animals. They are Wana Jeribaya, climbing
up the mountains and down the cliffs, Karang Kletek village, Klampis Ireng village, oxen, white
pigeon, planting palawijo seems so green, right on the peak, the Peak of B 29, Randu Pitu, and
Randu Sanga.