Blangkon

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Blangkon
A Ngayogyakarta-style blangkon, worn for weddings
TypeTraditional headgear
MaterialBatik
Place of originIndonesia (Java)
ManufacturerJavanese
Blangkons, the traditional Javanese headgear

A blangkon (Javanese: ꦧ꧀ꦭꦁꦏꦺꦴꦤ꧀) or belangkon (in Indonesian) is a traditional Javanese headgear worn by men and made of batik fabric.[1] There are four types of blangkons, distinguished by the shapes and regional Javanese origin: Ngayogyakarta, Surakarta, Kedu, and Banyumasan.[2]

History

It is believed that blangkon may be as old as the Javanese script, and inspired from the legendary story of Aji Saka. In the story, Aji Saka defeated Dewata Cengkar, a giant who owned the land of Java, by spreading a giant piece of headdress that could cover the entire land of Java.[3] Aji Saka was also believed to be the founder of the Javanese calendar.

Another theory is that the use of blangkon was adopted by the Javanese due to the combined influence of local Hindu and Islamic culture. The Muslim traders who entered Java were people from various places including mainland Arab and Gujarati regions, and the blangkon is sometimes believed to be adapted from turbans; however, this is unlikely because the story of Aji Saka itself predates the arrival of Islam in Java.

Gallery

  • The Javanese traditional attire for men is always worn with the Blangkon and accompanied by a Kris
    The Javanese traditional attire for men is always worn with the Blangkon and accompanied by a Kris
  • Man wearing a tied version of blangkon
    Man wearing a tied version of blangkon
  • Fifth Indonesian President Megawati and her family
    Fifth Indonesian President Megawati and her family
  • Raden Saleh, a famous Indonesian painter in the colonial era
    Raden Saleh, a famous Indonesian painter in the colonial era
  • Ngayogyakarta-style blangkon
    Ngayogyakarta-style blangkon
  • Colonial young man wearing blangkon
    Colonial young man wearing blangkon

References

  1. ^ Agung, Firdaus. "Blangkon di Antara Asal-usul dan Simbol". tirto.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  2. ^ "Blangkon Solo vs Yogyakarta, Apa Bedanya?". Pemerintah Kota Surakarta. May 20, 2022.
  3. ^ Tifani (2022-07-13). "4 Teori Asal-Usul Blangkon, Penutup Kepala Pria Khas Jawa". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-12.

External links