Studying Traditional Transportation Tool Artifacts in Cirebon, Indonesia

Abstract

Cirebon is one of popular Indonesia’s regions for its cultural richness.  This is a port area that served as a route of International traffic trade at the time. Cirebon became an important trade and shipping hub.  Cirebon’s location, which borders West Java and Central Java, grants it a very strategic role as a port and also bridges Javanese and Sundanese Cultures so that Cirebon’s distinctive culture is formed.

Cirebon has a myriad of cultural items that have been preserved, such as historical structures, modes of transportation, musical instruments, and historical vital types of equipment that are all carefully conserved at many museums and sites.   This research focuses on the discussion of Cirebon’s traditional transportation tool artifacts. Some of the artifacts discovered describe historical-cultural acculturation.  This can be seen based on the ornaments depicted on the artifacts.

The purpose of this research is to raise awareness among Indonesians about the cultural richness that exists in Cirebon, particularly among Cirebon residents, since many Cirebon residents are unaware of the existence of these historical artifacts.  These artifacts are truly priceless cultural treasures.

The historical archeology method which in its application is a combination of historical, archaeological, geographic, and ethnographic methods is used in this research.  Data were obtained through field observations, literature reviews, and interviews with experts in this field.

A Culturalist, T.D. Sudjana stated that the Pedati during the Indraprahasta kingdom was the oldest mode of transportation that had existed since the 2nd century, but there was no evidence of that legacy could be found.  This research concluded that Pedati Gede Pekalangan is the oldest traditional transportation tool in Cirebon and the artifacts are still can be found today. This Pedati is older than the Paksi Naga Liman Carriage and the Jempana Carriage in Kanoman Palace, as well as the Singa Barong Carriage in Kasepuhan Palace.

Keywords: Traditional Transportation Tool, Cirebon, Pedati Gede Pekalangan, History

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/101-03

Publication date:June 30^th 2022