The Aesthetics of the Women's Appearance in the Wayang Wali of Ki Sunan Sunhaji and the Wayang Sambung of Ki Muhammad Mukti

Abstract

This article explores the aesthetic representation of female characters in Wayang Wali by Ki Sunan Sunhaji and Wayang Sambung by Ki Muhammad Mukti as part of the Islamic cultural da'wah strategy in Java. Using a qualitative descriptive method and visual analysis, the study focuses on the physical appearance, ornaments, costumes, and expressions of female figures in these wayang performances. The findings reveal that the portrayal of women in Wayang Wali and Wayang Sambung intentionally avoids sensuality and luxury. Instead, it emphasizes simplicity, modesty, and spiritual values in accordance with Islamic teachings. Elements such as soft color tones, modest clothing, and subtle body language are used to depict idealized femininity based on Sufi philosophy and Javanese-Islamic ethical principles. This aesthetic approach reflects a vision of womanhood that prioritizes inner beauty, piety, and cultural refinement rather than physical allure. The performances present women not as objects of desire but as symbolic figures embodying grace, humility, and spirituality. In conclusion, the visual aesthetics of female characters in these wayang traditions demonstrate a unique synthesis of religious values, local cultural identity, and artistic expression. These performances serve not only as entertainment but also as powerful tools of Islamic cultural transmission, presenting an alternative model of beauty and femininity rooted in ethical and spiritual ideals.