Material Culture and Marginality: The Loss of Mataram Characteristics  in Ancient Gravestones at Tanggeran Village, Central Java (19th–20th Centuries)

Zahri, Muthia; Nasution, Isman Pratama; Oktaviana, Adhi Agus

Material Culture and Marginality: The Loss of Mataram Characteristics in Ancient Gravestones at Tanggeran Village, Central Java (19th–20th Centuries)

James Alexander Gordon on 13th February 2026

Author Information

Muthia Zahri, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Isman Pratama Nasution, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Adhi Agus Oktaviana, Pusat Riset Arkeometri, Indonesia

Abstract

Islamic Mataram was a preeminent kingdom in Java since the 16th century. However, by the 19th century, the colonial policies of Daendels and the aftermath of the Java War triggered profound political instability. Dutch intervention through Instituut voor de Javaansche taal reframed Javanese culture into an elitist construct, systematically decoupling Islamic influence from Javanese tradition. This created a cultural segregation that stripped marginal communities of their access to the symbolic meanings of Javanese Islam heritage. This study utilizes (Shils & Shils, 1979) theoretical framework of “The Center and The Periphery.” Theoretically, the potency of symbolic values diminishes as the geographical distance from the center of power increases. Employing the seven-stage methodology by (Ashmore & Sharer, 2010) comprising formulation, implementation, data collection, data processing, analysis, interpretation, and publication. The research focuses on gravestones in Tanggeran Village, Central Java, which is geopolitically as a marginal region, and compared to the central palace standard. Field findings reveal that 19th-century gravestones in Tanggeran Village still retained distinct Mataram characteristics. However, by the 20th century, this style faded, transitioning into significantly simpler forms. This phenomenon demonstrates a deterioration of cultural values within material culture, influenced by geographical distance, the weakening of the Palace’s political control, and historical silencing by colonialism. Consequently, the local community has lost its collective memory regarding its cultural origins.