Lukman, Christine Claudia and Hartanti, Monica
(2025)
The Influence of Mentifact and Sociofact on
The Design and Meaning of Rifa’iyah Batik Motifs
for Wedding Ceremonies.
Wacana Seni, 24.
pp. 66-79.
ISSN 2180-4311
Abstract
The Rifa’iyah community in Kalipucang Wetan Village, Batang Regency, follows the teachings of Kyai Haji (KH)
Ahmad Rifa’iyah (1789–1871 CE). Before 1999, they lived in isolation due to accusations of heresy, requiring
them to be entirely self-sufficient. This community adheres strictly to Rifa’i teachings in all aspects of life,
including batik production. Their batik motifs reflect the Rifa’i prohibition against depicting living beings,
such as animals. Women exclusively produce Rifa’iyah Batik, which holds significant cultural value in key
life stages, including birth, marriage, and death. Traditionally, young women engaged in batik-making
while awaiting marriage proposals and prepared multiple batik pieces for wedding ceremonies, including
“seserahan” (dowry exchange) and “akad nikah” (marriage contract). This study examines the intersection
of mentifact (Rifa’i teachings), sociofact (community customs), and artefact (Rifa’iyah Batik used in wedding
rituals). Mentifacts represent a culture’s ideology, values, and beliefs, while sociofacts refer to the social
structures and customs shaping behaviour. In this context, artefacts are human-made objects that address
practical and symbolic needs. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to gather data through
observations, interviews with batik artisans and experts, and a literature review. It uses social semiotics to
interpret Rifa’iyah wedding batik as a text composed of signs whose meanings are shaped by the community’s
social codes. The findings reveal that artefacts and sociofacts within the Rifa’iyah community influence
the visual elements and meanings of batik, emphasising values of loyalty, unity, sincerity, and resilience in
marriage.
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