Batak Magic Book (2 results)

48 x 66 mm. Pustaha folding book, 6 ff. Black Surat Batak script on bark. With 10 diagrams in black and red, largely of animal figures, or humans interacting with animals. Bone covers, inscribed with figure of a bird eating a scorpion. A Batak folding bark manuscript, known as a pustaha, comprising a text on magical practices, diagrams, and divination. This pustaha includes seven diagrams in black and red, many of human figures. - Sumatra, and the people who speak Batak languages, have a long manuscript tradition, and one particularly centered around the pustaha. The Batak Surat script was used in schools up until the First World War, and the folding bark books written in this script play an important role in ritual practice, auspicious calendars, divination, and the preservation and (sending onwards) of Batak cultural history. - Gentle wear, minor soiling. In good condition.

150 x 150 mm. Pustaha folding book, 8 ff. Black Surat Batak script on bark. With 7 diagrams in black and red. Carved wooden covers with gecko figure. A Batak folding bark manuscript, known as a pustaha, comprising a text on magical practices, diagrams, and divination. This pustaha includes seven diagrams in black and red, many of human figures. On the carved wooden cover is a gecko figure, representing Boraspati ni Tano, also known as Ilik, the gecko earth deity. - Sumatra, and the people who speak Batak languages, have a long manuscript tradition, and one particularly centered around the pustaha. The Batak Surat script was used in schools up until the First World War, and the folding bark books written in this script play an important role in ritual practice, auspicious calendars, divination, and the preservation and (sending onwards) of Batak cultural history. - Gentle wear; a few natural flaws in the bark. In good condition.