Book

Museum number:
18-1543
Permalink:
ark:/21549/hm21180001543
Accession number:
Acc.4116
Description:
Book, bark, with dark brown wooden covers, one of which has a gecko in relief; the bark folds accordion-fashion, written on both sides in Batak script of Indic derivation; includes diagrams of supernatural spirits and apotropaic signs. Contains formulas for carrying out certain exorcisms and rituals. It is a mnemonic device for Batak sorcerers. 18 x 13.6 x 3 cm.
Donor:
Lawrence E. Dawson
Collection place:
Sumatra, Indonesia
Culture or time period:
Batak
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Books
Function:
5.2 Magic: Objects Associated with Practices reflecting confidence in the ability to manipulate supernatural agencies
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Images:
Hearst Museum object titled Book, accession number 18-1543, described as Book, bark, with dark brown wooden covers, one of which has a gecko in relief; the bark folds accordion-fashion, written on both sides in Batak script of Indic derivation; includes diagrams of supernatural spirits and apotropaic signs. Contains formulas for carrying out certain exorcisms and rituals. It is a mnemonic device for Batak sorcerers. 18 x 13.6 x 3 cm.
Legacy documentation:
Documentation associated with Hearst Museum object titled Book, accession number 18-1543, described as Book, bark, with dark brown wooden covers, one of which has a gecko in relief; the bark folds accordion-fashion, written on both sides in Batak script of Indic derivation; includes diagrams of supernatural spirits and apotropaic signs. Contains formulas for carrying out certain exorcisms and rituals. It is a mnemonic device for Batak sorcerers. 18 x 13.6 x 3 cm.

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