JOGAN

This jogan, made of gold and silver, is a royal heirloom from the Riau Lingga Sultanate, and is assumed to date back to the 18th century. Its form resembles the gunungan, which is a symbol of the universe, and appears in Javanese and Malay regional wayang (shadow puppet) performances. According to Malay historical chronicles, the jogan played an important role at royal ceremonies and would be placed in front of the ruler, surrounded by an entourage of instrument carrying musicians. Another chronicle features the jogan prominently at wedding rituals and coronations. The Malay inscription, written in Arabic, and etched on the surface of this jogan, tells the story of the Johor ruler's forefathers, and expresses hope for God's blessings. The inscription reads as follows:
"In the name of Allah the Almighty .... here stands the King who hails from Bukit Siguntang, a descendant of Sri Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, indeed a just and true ruler, the sovereign of the royal throne, the holder of the truth and all that is sacred in the whole land of Melayu, and blessed by God Almighty, who has bestowed upon him the right to rule his kingdom, in honor and glory, saadati Alla'lahu wassalam. Kha'al Allahu malakahu wa Sultanahu wa ibadat a'la lahu wa syahnihi wijatinnabi syaidal mursalin wa ala lahu wah sabihi ajamain, amin, amin, Allah uma amin tamat"