Collection, Old Batak Book Of Magic And Divination, Late 19th Century

Indonesia, North Sumatra, Batak Toba people
This ancient book of magic and divination serves as a reference guide for Datus (priests, sorcerers, doctors, diviners, astrologers) and their disciples. It contains formulas for magical rituals, recipes, remedies and spells, all illustrated with drawings (in black, brown and red).
It consists of ten sheets of beaten agalloch bark (a precious wood from eastern India and Southeast Asia), folded like an accordion and written on both sides, under two plates made from the shoulder blades of a Sumatran cow. The upper plate is engraved with two lizards in relief.
Written in Batak syllabary (‘huruf batak’); magical diagram of the ‘Naga Padoha’ with the cosmic serpent that determines the eight cardinal points, as well as more stylised divination diagrams.
Period: late 19th to early 20th century.
Dimensions: 9 x 6 cm, unfolded approx. 75 cm.
Good condition.