The Cakra Donya (MAHS-IDN-COL-001-O-0001) is a large bell suspended by a loop in the form of a dragon with an arched back. Tradition holds that it was originally presented to the ruler of Pasai in the fifteenth century. The bell was later removed to Aceh proper by Sultan Ali Mughayat Syah (d. 1530). There are traces of inscriptions in Chinese, as well as in Arabic script (possibly for Malay or Persian), but today they are almost completely illegible. Today the bell is part of collection of the Aceh Museum. Before being moved to its present lcoation the bell had previously been installed in front of the Baiturrahman Mosque in Banda Aceh, where it was struck regularly to annoucne the time for prayers to those living in and around the palace of the former sultanate. Full data: https://maritimeasiaheritage.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp
1 comment