Imrotun Nabila, Akhmad Wildan, Putri Nadiah

The Past Through Stone: A Comparative Analysis of Umpak Songo with Contemporary Architectural Structures in East Java

Introduction

The past through stone: a comparative analysis of umpak songo with contemporary architectural structures in east java. Explore Umpak Songo's architectural significance in East Java. This comparative study reveals its structural function, cultural insights, and the beliefs of ancient societies.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the architectural significance of Umpak Songo in East Java through a comparative analysis with contemporary building structures. Umpak Songo, characterized by a configuration of nine stone foundations, is analyzed in the context of its structural function and possible representation of ritual or cosmological practices of ancient societies. Through comparison with architectural elements from the same time period in East Java, this study explores the continuities, differences, and potential distinctiveness of Umpak Songo. The results show that Umpak Songo not only serves as a supporting element of the building, but also stores important information about local architectural adaptations and may reflect aspects of the culture and beliefs of the society at that time. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the diversity of ancient architecture in East Java and highlights the importance of comparative analysis of architectural details in reconstructing past history and culture.

Review

This study embarks on an intriguing exploration of Umpak Songo, a distinctive configuration of nine stone foundations in East Java, seeking to understand its architectural significance through a comparative lens. The proposed analysis delves into its structural function, potential ritual or cosmological representations, and aims to trace continuities and differences with other architectural elements from its historical period. By positioning Umpak Songo as not merely a structural component but a repository of cultural and historical data, the research promises a deeper understanding of ancient East Javanese architecture and its societal context. The strength of this study lies in its multi-faceted approach, moving beyond purely structural considerations to incorporate interpretations of cultural and belief systems, which is crucial for ancient architecture. The comparative analysis is a sound methodological choice, promising to illuminate the unique characteristics of Umpak Songo while also situating it within broader regional architectural traditions. The claim that Umpak Songo stores "important information about local architectural adaptations" and reflects "aspects of the culture and beliefs of the society at that time" points to a rich interpretive framework that could significantly contribute to the fields of archaeology and architectural history. This interdisciplinary perspective is valuable for reconstructing past societies. While the abstract outlines a promising investigation, some clarity regarding the comparative framework would strengthen its presentation. Specifically, the title mentions "Contemporary Architectural Structures," while the abstract later refers to "architectural elements from the same time period in East Java." Clarifying whether the comparison is with *modern* structures or strictly *contemporaneous ancient* structures is essential, as each would require a different analytical approach and yield distinct insights. Furthermore, a brief indication of the specific types of evidence or methodologies used to link structural forms to "ritual or cosmological practices" and "culture and beliefs" would provide greater confidence in the interpretative claims, though this may be fully elaborated in the main text. Nonetheless, the study's stated contribution to understanding ancient architecture in East Java is compelling and warrants further attention.

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