21st Annual Student Research Conference
Traditional Javanese Music and Trance in a Changing World
Scott M. Dintelman
Prof. Shirley McKamie, Faculty Mentor
The role of traditional Javanese gamelan music and its use in establishing trance has withstood multiple encounters with other cultures and belief systems. Javanese religious beliefs are traditionally based around a primal animistic tradition. However, over time, Java has been ruled by followers of several world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and most recently, Islam. Notably, through the ability of the Javanese culture to adapt there exists an unparalleled mix of religious beliefs. Recently, though, there have been several challenges confronting religious practices, in which trance is an essential element in continuing Javanese tradition. Trance and its ability to unite the entranced is a fascinating mystery that, when understood both physiologically and theologically, can identify a crucial role this altered state plays in the mixed religious practices of Java.
Keywords: Javanese, Music, Trance, Religion, Gamelan, Traditional, Indonesia, Java
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 37-1
Location: OP 2210
Time: 1:15