Gajah Mungkur

Madura Island - East Java, Indonesia

Meanings:

Gajah Mungkur symbolizes an elephant (“gajah”) that is trapped (“mungkur”) in the bamboo forest. It symbolizes a huge longing for a person trapped in the heart and cannot be expressed.

Note:  All contents and batik images are protected by Indonesian cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to facilitate the preservation of Batik UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage 2009. Any use of published materials is allowed only with reference to this website as the original source of publication. 

How to preserve Batik

Philosophical Meanings of Batik

Learn and identify the meaning of the motifs from each region. Are you searching for a meaningful gift for your loved ones? Surprise them with a merry little Batik!

Authentic Batik

Buy the authentic handwritten Batik textiles to add to your prestigious collection. Such support will enhance the well-being of Batik artisans and preserve the living heritage.

Batik Community

If you want to meet the Batik artisans, we encourage you to visit and support Batik workshops in Indonesia. You may discover the local tourism that suits your preference!

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009

Batik Production Process in East Java

Batik production can take 1 month up to 2 years of working time depending on the purposes of the textile creation and the colour complexity. The Batik handwriting textile is generally made with 8 design steps, ranging from wax patterning to colouring process. The artists use Canting, as a tool to put hot melted wax on the cloth. 

Batik Regions 

Overview of East Java Province

East Java people have unique and rich culture and wisdom. In addition to the wealth of traditional textile traditions such as batik and weaving, East Java has various festivals and performances unique to each tribe. Examples include the cattle race festival on Madura Island, the Barong Dance Reog Ponorogo show, and the Kasada Tengger Tribe Ceremony on Mount Bromo.

Batik Villages in East Java Province

Batik villages are the region where the Batik producers mostly reside and open their  Batik workshops, as well as display their Batik products. You could buy the Batik textiles from the artisans and participate in the making process of Batik on the site.

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