KIN Topeng Malangan is more than just a craft
TOPENG MALANGAN
History of Topeng Malang
The Story Behind Topeng Malangan
Decorative wall hangings from Topeng Malangan, Photo: KIN Topeng Malangan Gallery Collection
​Topeng Malangan is a cultural heritage of the Malang region in East Java. This mask art has existed since the time of the Kediri, Majapahit, and Singhasari Kingdoms and continues to develop today.​
Initially, Topeng Malangan was used in traditional art performances such as Wayang Topeng, which tell classic stories such as Panji and other local legends. The masks function as performance properties and spiritual and wisdom symbols believed to bring moral values to the community.
Each character in the mask has a shape, color, and expression that reflects the character's personality. As time goes by, Topeng Malangan is not only used for performing arts but also begins to be developed as a handicraft and home decoration. Now, the mask comes in various forms, both for aesthetic functions, education, and as a typical Malang souvenir.
KIN Topeng Malangan is here to preserve and reintroduce this cultural value to modern society. It takes an innovative approach through fiberglass crafts that are more durable but maintain each mask's artistic and symbolic value.
The atmosphere inside the KIN Topeng Malangan gallery, Photo: KIN Topeng Malangan Gallery Collection
Exciting Facts Behind Topeng Malangan
Types of Topeng Malang
Panji Asmoro Bangun is the protagonist in the story, playing a central role in driving the development of the conflict in the narrative. He is usually portrayed as a brave and romantic prince who embarks on many adventures in search of his true love, Dewi Sekartaji. His face is adorned with green, reflecting his kind-hearted nature. His honest, patient, agile, and heroic traits are reflected in his eyes, which are shaped like rice grains.
Dewi Sekartaji is portrayed as a beautiful princess from the kingdom of Daha (Kediri). In several versions of the story, she is separated from her beloved, Panji, due to various conflicts or misunderstandings. Their tale is filled with adventures, disguises, and numerous obstacles they must overcome before finally being reunited—much like the journey of Raden Panji Asmoro Bangun.
Patih Sabrang is an antagonist character in the Topeng Malangan performance tradition. Portrayed as a powerful and ambitious minister from a foreign land, he bears a fierce face and wears a striking mask. Often the main adversary of Raden Panji, Patih Sabrang represents an external force threatening the kingdom’s order, while also testing the hero’s courage and wisdom. His character symbolizes the clash between truth and arrogance.
Gunung sari is characterized by narrow eyes, a downward-pointing nose, thin lips, and a white face. The character of Gunungsari is humble, gentle, and somewhat feminine. The dance movements are graceful, reflecting the ideal feminine qualities of the time. In some performances, this character may be portrayed as a princess or noblewoman.
Dewi Ragil Kuning is the daughter of Prabu Tapa Agung, king of the Daha Kediri Kingdom, and she is the younger sister of Dewi Sekartaji. Ragil Kuning is known as a beautiful princess with a gentle, kind, firm, and brave character. The Malang-style mask of Dewi Ragil Kuning has narrow eyes, a sharp nose, no visible teeth, and is yellow in color.
Bapang is a close companion of Klana Sewandana. He is depicted with large eyes, a prominent nose, visible upper teeth, and a red face. His character is known for being arrogant and cunning.
In the Topeng Malangan tradition, the character of the Butå (giant) is depicted with facial colors that reflect their traits. Red symbolizes anger and aggression, green represents cruelty and cunning, while white signifies hidden deceit. Blue is associated with magical power and mystery, black symbolizes darkness and destruction, and yellow/gold reflects pride and worldly power. These colors enhance the visual character and convey moral messages in each performance.