Study of iconography and iconology on the visual appearance of Ondel-ondel

Abstract

Ondel-ondel is a folk entertainment that developed by the Betawi community since the 1970s. Until now, Ondel-ondel still survives and has even become an icon of the capital city of DKI Jakarta. However, the existence of Ondel-ondel is even more threatened, especially after the implementation of a regional regulation of DKI Jakarta Province which prohibits Ondel-ondel as a means of busking. This condition is ironic considering that historically Ondel-ondel was used by the Betawi community as a means of entertainment and became a form of art and culture for the Betawi community. Thus, this study raised Ondel-ondel as a research topic. The research was conducted to examine the visual appearance of Ondel-ondel with iconography and iconology theory approach of Erwin Panofsky. The iconography review emphasizes the theme and concept of Ondel-ondel’s visual appearance which is personification of ancestors. Meanwhile, the interpretation of iconology is the result of the search for the meaning behind the visual appearance of Ondel-ondel which is form of balance of power between anger and kindness and courage and holiness.

Keywords

• iconography
• iconology
• Ondel-ondel
• visual appearance