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TOBO-00800 |
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Wooden and painted lontar container from Bali |
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1950-1970 |
Much of the special knowledge, rituals, medicin etc, was preserved on lontar leaves.
After a month of special treatment the lontar leaves can be preserved for a very long time.
A priest writes his text by carving letters into the lontar with a very sharp small knife. When the lontar is full, he slides with his index finger, which is blackened by a special black liquid, over the lontar.
Because the black moisture stays in the tiny scratches the letters are visible now.
Because there are priceless lontars on Bali, a special box is made to preserve those lontars. And often this box is decorated with special carvings or, like here, with painted illustrations from the Hindu saga Ramayana.
The last 2 photos show a priest determining a date for an important event with the help of a lontar and a Bali calendar.
Pls click on the photo for more pics&info.
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