In Batak (Poda, Toba script). The script uses the southern ta. Two variants of the letter na occur; next to the standard form the ancient na (as Voorhoeve called it) is also occasionally used. The ancient na is typically found in Mandailing manuscripts, but this manuscript is clearly not Mandailing, but was probably written in the Toba district
Extent: 66 unnumbered pages : illustrations ; 11 x 10.5 cm
Note:
Page orientation: landscape. Condition: The manuscript is in average condition. Apart from the fact that the covers have separated there is no visible damage, but on several pages the script has started to disappear. Physical appearance: A plain wooden slightly curved cover is attached to both ends of the manuscripts. Both the upper and the lower cover have two pair of holes. A plaited cord made of palmfiber (IND ijuk) is used to carry the manuscript. The manuscript is held together by means of a plaited rattan band. The covers have become separated from the book. Description: Pustaha (bark book) made by the Batak people in North Sumatra (Indonesia) most likely in the nineteenth century. Paper and ink: The manuscript is made of the bast (inner bark) of the aquilaria tree. Black as well as red ink has been used in this manuscript. Red ink is only used as illumination of the illustrations, including the chapter markers (bindu). BINDU GODANG (large bindu) denotes a large ornament which serves as a chapter marker. BINDU denotes a smaller ornament which may introduce a new subject matter. BM stands for bindu metmet (small bindu) which serves as a paragraph markers. Punctuations such as full stops or commas are not known in the Batak script. Collected by Frederick Starr, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago, 1892-1923.
Do you have more information to share with the Holding Institution about this manuscript or would you like to suggest a correction? Contact information is available for member institutions via our member directory.
