The secret to a Javanese woman’s resilience may not be found in ancient royal edicts, but in the daily ritual of preparing spices.
This perspective aligns with the broader history of the archipelago, where women leaders once held remarkable authority.
There’s Queen Shima of the Kalingga Kingdom (1504–1546), known for her strict rule of law. Then, Sri Isyana Tunggawijaya of the Medang Kingdom (947–985) and Tribuwana Wijayatunggaldewi of the Majapahit Empire (1325–1351), who both brought their kingdoms to their peak.
These historical figures prove that Javanese women have long held positions of strength and leadership. Yet, their power isn't just recorded in political history. It's also deeply embedded in everyday life, in the most unexpected of places like the kitchen.
Among all cooking tools, the cowek (mortar) and munthu/ulekan (pestle) stand out as powerful cultural symbols. More than just instruments for crushing spices, they reflect the multifaceted character and enduring resilience of Javanese women.
What is the Cowek and Munthu?
The cowek, a Javanese term for mortar, is a thick, flat plate traditionally made of stone or clay. It serves as the grinding base in many Indonesian kitchens.
The munthu (also known as ulekan), also from Javanese, is a blunt handheld pestle typically made from the same material as the cowek. This pairing ensures balanced friction and helps preserve the texture of the ingredients.
To use them, cooks place spices, herbs, or aromatics on the cowek, then press and grind them using the munthu in circular or back-and-forth motions. This manual technique allows for precise control over texture, gradual release of oils, and deeper flavor development.
As a result, the cowek and munthu remain essential tools in preparing sambal and traditional spice pastes across Indonesia—especially among Javanese households, where they are central to everyday cooking.
This duo has been a fundamental part of human life since ancient times. Archaeological evidence worldwide shows similar tools dating back as far as 35,000 BCE.
Across Indonesia, this set goes by different names depending on the region. In Sundanese culture, for instance, they are known as coét and mutu.
Despite these linguistic variations, their core function remains the same—transforming raw ingredients through rhythm, pressure, and human touch.
The Deeper Meaning of the Cowek and Munthu
Philosophical interpretations of traditional kitchen tools in Java reveal meanings that go far beyond the household.
The cowek (mortar), with its rounded and open form, is often linked to feminine qualities, while the munthu or ulekan (pestle), elongated and firm, symbolizes masculine traits. This symbolism appears in various cultural contexts across Indonesia.
In Sundanese tradition, for example, a mother’s choice between the two tools may carry subtle hopes. Choosing the cowek can signal a wish for a daughter, while reaching for the munthu may reflect the desire for a son.
Yet in Javanese culture, the meaning runs deeper. The cowek and munthu no longer stand as separate symbols of gender, but as a reflection of duality—masculine and feminine energies that coexist within one individual.
For Javanese women, this duality is expressed in the way tenderness and resilience intertwine, shaping their image as gentle yet remarkably steadfast figures.
This symbolism is not merely abstract; it is rooted in everyday practice. Using a stone mortar and pestle requires real physical effort.
The repetitive motion of grinding demands strength, patience, and precision—a powerful metaphor for the endurance and mental fortitude of Javanese women.
Ancient proverbs capture this wisdom, said M. Suryadi of Diponegoro University in his study, A Portrait of Javanese Women’s Strength Through the Lens of Coastal Javanese Traditional Tools.”
"Kuate ulek-ulek ora sanggup mecahke cowek" or “The strength of the pestle cannot break the mortar”, reminds us that no matter how forceful life’s challenges may be, a Javanese woman will not shatter; each trial only strengthens her spirit.
Another saying, "Kawake cowek dadi aluse pipi" or “The age of the mortar polishes its surface”, teaches that through experience and adversity, a woman grows wiser and more refined in her choices.
Within the family, this resilience manifests in multiple roles. A Javanese woman is often seen as versatile, at once a mother, a wife, and even a leader when circumstances demand it.
She is celebrated as a “wonder woman” who adapts to life’s demands without losing the gentle essence of motherhood. It is no surprise, then, that in many Javanese households, husbands seek their wives’ counsel before making important decisions.
Ultimately, the cowek and munthu are more than kitchen tools; they symbolize the strength, wisdom, and adaptability of Javanese women. These qualities, refined over time, make them resilient individuals and pillars of their families and communities.
Sources:
https://www.persee.fr/doc/paleo_0153-9345_1991_num_17_1_4537
https://budaya-indonesia.org/Betuukar-Cobek-dan-Ulekan
https://www.sastra.org/bahasa-dan-budaya/kamus-dan-leksikon/807-bausastra-jawa-poerwadarminta-1939-75-bagian-27-w
https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/nusa/article/view/23815
https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/paramasastra/article/view/2725
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103118305493#:~:text=rights%20and%20content-,Abstract,and%20non%2Dsocial%20entities%20alike.
https://an-nur.ac.id/blog/kerajaan-medang-kamulan-sejarah-peninggalan-dan-kejayaan.html
