Numismatics
Indonesian Numismatics
Banknotes from the Indonesian archipelago from the colonial period to the present
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A detailed look at Indonesian influence in Madagascar: history, migration, and linguistic similarities between Austronesian and Malagasy.
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Linguistic similarities between Romanian and Bahasa Indonesia
Why there are so many similar words between Romanian and Indonesian, such as nume - nama, mama - mamak, tanti - tante.
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Singa: The Toba Batak Protective Figure of North Sumatra
In Toba Batak art, singa names a composite supernatural guardian, distinct from the ordinary Indonesian word for lion, seen on houses and ritual objects.
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Tunggal panaluan
The magical staff of Batak shamans adorned with human remains from sacrificial rituals
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The magical Pustaha book of the Batak people from Sumatra
Pustaha - the magical book of the Batak people from Sumatra.
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Kendang Drums: Rhythm and Leadership in Indonesian Ensemble Music
Explore kendang construction and musical leadership through Central Javanese drums, Sundanese Jaipongan, and Balinese gong kebyar.
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The Bonang: Structure, Sound, and Role in Javanese Gamelan
Explore the bonang’s bossed gongs, barung and panerus registers, playing techniques, and documented role in Central Javanese gamelan.
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Javanese Bronze Gongs: Casting, Sound, and the Material Culture of Gamelan
Explore how Javanese bronze gongs connect casting and forging in Wirun with tuning, musical cycles, and the heirloom life of Yogyakarta gamelan.
Read article - Manuscripts and Literature
Palm-Leaf Manuscript Making: How Lontar Was Prepared, Written, and Preserved
Follow documented Balinese lontar making from leaf selection and preparation to incised writing, darkening, protective covers, and manuscript care.
Read article - Manuscripts and Literature
Jawi Manuscripts in Indonesia: Malay Writing, Islam, and Maritime Exchange
Malay manuscripts in Jawi connect Islamic learning, court documents, and copying networks from Sumatra and Riau to Semarang and Makassar.
Read article - Manuscripts and Literature
Pegon Script: How Javanese and Sundanese Muslims Adapted Arabic Writing
How Pegon adapted Arabic letters for Javanese and Sundanese learning, poetry, and historical writing, with identifiable manuscript examples.
Read article - Community Life
Suntiang Minangkabau: Bridal Headdress, Status, and Ceremony
Explore Minangkabau suntiang through its tiered ornaments, Padang assembly techniques, bridal responsibilities, local wearing traditions, and museum evidence.
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Caci of Manggarai: Ritual Combat, Performance, and Community in Flores
Explore Manggarai Caci in western Flores through its whip-and-shield equipment, harvest ceremonies, music, and relationships between participants.
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Topeng Masks of Java and Bali: Character, Performance, and Transformation
Explore how carved Topeng masks become characters through dance, storytelling, and ceremony in Cirebon, Malang, and Bali.
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Bisj Poles of the Asmat: Ancestors, Ritual, and Monumental Woodcarving
Explore how Asmat bisj poles transform a tree into a memorial sculpture through named ancestors, skilled carving, and communal ritual.
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