Motif Pewarisan Dalang Keturunan dalam Kesenian Wayang Kulit di Kampung Seni Gegesik

Wayang kulit is a traditional performing art that has been preserved in Kampung Seni Gegesik, Cirebon. The expertise in puppeteering within wayang kulit is passed down through generations, creating the phenomenon of hereditary puppeteers. Descendants of puppeteers bear a moral responsibility to continue and inherit their parent’s puppeteering skills. This study aims to understand the motives of hereditary puppeteers in continuing their parent’s profession. The research employs a qualitative method with Alfred Schutz's phenomenological approach. The findings reveal two categories of motives that underlie hereditary puppeteers decision to pursue puppeteering, because of motive and in order to motives. because of motive include a deep passion for wayang kulit since childhood and hereditary influence, whereas in order to motives consist of the desire to impart moral values and the intention to preserve cultural heritage. The inheritance of puppeteering skills within hereditary puppeteers families in Kampung Seni Gegesik is significantly influenced by the role of the family. Elder hereditary puppeteers tend to adopt a more conservative approach, emphasizing moral teachings, while younger hereditary puppeteers focus on adapting and preserving wayang kulit in the modern era. Keywords: Motives, Hereditary Puppeteers, Phenomenology