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Power Behind Powerlessness: The Myth of Konco Wingking in Javanese Culture through Damar Kurung Painting

Christianna, Aniendya and Saidi, Acep Iwan and M.Sn., Dr. Riama Maslan Sihombing, and Art., Dr. Nuning Yanti Damayanti, Dipl. (2025) Power Behind Powerlessness: The Myth of Konco Wingking in Javanese Culture through Damar Kurung Painting. [UNSPECIFIED]

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      Abstract

      The concept of konco wingking in Javanese culture, meaning friend behind, is associated with the traditional role of Javanese women as wives and mothers based on the ideology of patriarchy and feudalism. This myth is believed to reinforce the subordinate status of Javanese women. By analysing Damar Kurung and using visual ethnography, this study examines the impact of the konco wingking myth on gender relations in Javanese society. This traditional artwork has existed since the 16th century on the northern coast of East Java, Indonesia, and was passed down through an old female painter named Masmundari. She interpreted the myths circulating in Javanese society through artistic practices. This study collected visual data from museums and galleries, and verbal data from interviews and observations. By combining verbal and visual data using L�vi-Strauss�s structuralist theory of mythology and Foucault�s concept of power, this study shows how Javanese women, despite their primarily domestic roles, play important roles in the family, society, and state. These women adopt distinct approaches to achieving empowerment and equality with men, utilizing their feminine characteristics, calmness, and resilience in adversity.

      Item Type: UNSPECIFIED
      Uncontrolled Keywords: Damar Kurung, Javanese, myth, traditional painting, women, konco wingking
      Subjects: D History General and Old World
      H Social Sciences
      N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
      Divisions: Faculty of Art and Design > Visual Communication Design Department
      Depositing User: Admin
      Date Deposited: 21 Jul 2025 00:54
      Last Modified: 30 Jul 2025 20:13
      URI: https://repository.petra.ac.id/id/eprint/21712

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