Symbolism of Lute Instruments in Borobudur's Karmawibhangga Reliefs: A Semiotic Analysis

This study aims to explore the social, symbolic, and spiritual meanings of lute-type musical instruments depicted in the Karmawibhangga reliefs of 9th-century Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia. These instruments are shown in detailed visual narratives that reflect ancient Javanese cultural and religious values, yet their specific functions and meanings remain underexplored. This research adopts a qualitative visual semiotic methodology. The study was conducted at Borobudur Temple between January and April 2025. The research focuses on three Karmawibhangga relief panels numbered 102, 125, and 151 that feature representations of lute instruments. Using Charles Sanders Peirce’s triadic semiotic theory (icon, index, and symbol), the study analyzes the visual elements of the reliefs to interpret layers of meaning embedded in the depiction of these instruments. The analysis is supported by a literature review of historical texts, Southeast Asian ethnomusicology, and musical iconography. The depicted lute instruments have two to five strings and appear within sacred musical ensembles. These instruments are consistently featured in scenes associated with celestial realms, religious rituals, and elite social contexts. The lute is not portrayed as an entertainment device, but rather as a medium of spiritual communication. This reflects the significance of music in cosmological and religious expressions of ancient Javanese society. The lute instruments in the Karmawibhangga reliefs function not merely as artistic or musical elements but as symbolic conduits that integrate spirituality, visual culture, and social hierarchy. Their representation underscores the vital role of music in religious life and its position within the broader cosmological worldview of 9th-century Java. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural role of music in ancient Southeast Asia and opens new pathways in archaeological music research.