Mekhala: The Construction of Semiotic Analysis in Mekhala-Ramasun Performances
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Abstract
The study for this paper analyzed semiotic information and the character of semiotic construction of Mekhala in Mekhala-Ramasun performances. The results revealed that Mekhala-Ramasun performances have taken elements regarding the semiotics of Mani Mekhala from different aspects of representations of the Mekhala-Ramasun story as follows: 1) information from Jatakas in Buddhism; 2) the role of Mekhala and beliefs reflected in rituals that appear in folklore; 3) the creation of Mekhala mythology in terms of the skin color, outfits and the crystal ball, with lightning regarded as her personal identity weapon; and 4) Mekhala, as depicted in painting and sculpture. Elements from these four sources can be found in various performance aspects that have been harmoniously developed. Furthermore, other semiotic elements have been introduced through the Choet-Chin song and Yantra dances.
These are important elements that have resulted in performances in three styles: 1) the Khom sam bai dance; 2) the Yantra dance of Khunying Natthakanurak (Thet Suwanpharata or Thes Suvarnabharata); and 3) the Yantra dance of Thanphuying Paew Sanidvongseni. The latter two dances have created different connotations of Mekhala performances that developed into auspicious performance area. Choet-Chin song and Yantra dances have developed Mekhala performances as the prototype for dance gestures for other performances that were created later. In conclusion, semiotic are an important component of the Mekhala-Ramasun story in creating the Mekhala character that appears in Mekhala-Ramasun performances. This also has a direct impact on the character of Mekhala and other types of performance as the semiotics were created with specific intention, delicacy and integrity.
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