MAKNA SIMBOL RITUAL PROSES PEMBUATAN TOPENG MALANGAN DI SANGGAR ASMOROBANGUN, DUSUN KEDUNGMONGGO, DESA KARANGPANDAN, KEC. PAKISAJI, KAB. MALANG

The process of making the Malangan Mask at the Asmorobangun Studio is not just an artistic activity in making masks, but there are rituals that must be carried out during the making process. Each stage of the process has certain symbols such as the symbol of wood, Pak Handoyo, wood on the initial frame, ornaments on the Malangan mask (flowers, fruits, animals and geometric), color symbols (red, white, black, and others) and symbols of the contents of the offerings for the prayer ritual. Each ritual of the making process itself also contains a certain meaning consisting of 3 rituals of the preparation process, the ritual of the making process and completion by praying at the punden. The purpose of this study was to determine the meaning of the ritual symbols of the Malangan Mask making process at the Asmorobangun Studio, Kedungmonggo Hamlet, Karangpandan Village, Pakisaji District, Malang Regency.

This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type and a naturalistic research basis. The data collection technique in this study used interviews and documentation with seven research subjects using purposive sampling techniques. The data analysis used uses the analysis concept of Miles Huberman which has four stages of analysis, namely data collection, data condensation, data presentation and drawing conclusions whose data validity is tested using the data source triangulation technique.

The results of the study on the meaning of ritual symbols in the process of making Malangan masks are full of deep meaning at each stage of the ritual and offerings used. This can have an impact and benefit on the community around Sanggar Asmorobangun, Dusun Kedungmonggo, Karangpandan Village, Pakisaji District, Malang Regency. Through these symbols, mask craftsmen not only create a work of mask art, but also maintain the continuity of traditions and ancestral values.