1622 Rare Antique Batak Shaman Manuscript Pustaha Pustaka

Antique Manuscript Book of Ritual Medicine Knowledge from North Sumatra, 19th century or earlier.

Leporello folded book with 44 leaves that have writings and drawings on both sides (17 have writings on one side).

Two small illustrations.

Each panel is 9cm x 6.5 cm.

Wooden covers.

The Pustaha (bark book), were ancient books used by shamans of the Batak tribes of Indonesia. The Pustaha are written in a ritual language that can only be used and understood by the datu, the shaman of the tribe. They record charms, medicine, magic formulae used by the shaman (datu) for cures, rites, amulets, and magic-religious purposes.

Condition is not perfect - one cover has damage.

Estimated to be from the early 1800s

Extremely rare

Antique Batak Shaman Medicine Manuscript Pustaha Pustaka

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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