Batak oracle bone ADD-3681

3D Model

These two pieces of carved bone (probably buffalo) are decorated with figures and text in Batak script containing magical texts and were used as amulets or in divination. They have more text on the reverse side. The Batak languages are native to the north of Sumatra and other areas of Indonesia and the script was probably derived from the Palava script of southern India. It was traditionally used by the datu (priests) to write magical texts and calendars and they wrote on materials that were easy to obtain such as bamboo, tree bark and buffalo bones. The bones were purchased by the Library in 1900 from Mr W. D. Webster.

Classmark: MSS Add. 3680–81

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