Tradition says that originally one grave-post (nisan) was used, and that the earlier form of a
tomb was a circular mound with a single grave-post in the centre. It is said that such mounds
were formerly used in Sungei Ujong, but I am unable to say if this is so. Sultan Zeinal ʿAbidin
of Johor is also described as having a tomb of this description at Kota Tinggi. ↑
113
This notion probably arose from an erroneous idea of etymological connection between the
words talkin and bĕrtĕlku. ↑
114
Of course if the karanda is used the bands have to be removed before it is nailed down. On
their removal these bands are handed to the next-of-kin, who tear them up and plait the strips
into a rough sort of bracelet, which they wear as long as it lasts in memory of the deceased.
Little children are made to pass thrice underneath the karanda of their parents when it is first
lifted in the chamber, “to prevent them from pining for the deceased.” ↑
115
From observing a good many of these grave-posts in different localities, I should be inclined to
suppose that the grave-post used for men had been evolved from a phallic emblem, whilst that
used for women occasionally assumes a rude resemblance to a human being. ↑
116
Newbold, Malacca, vol. ii. p. 352. ↑
117
As to the titles Bomor and Pawang, see Chapter III. p. 56, note. ↑
118
There are, it need hardly be said, innumerable charms and talismans which are valued by the
Malays for their supposed efficacy in preventing disease; there are also an immense number of
short charms (often mere texts from the Korān) which are considered invaluable for checking
minor ailments. It being impossible, however, in the scope of this work to give specimens of
the entire “materia medica” of the Malays, examples of the more important branches only are
given. ↑
119
The Pawang may either effect this himself, by luring the evil spirits out of the sick person’s
body into some object, such as an egg, a substituted image or scapegoat (tukar ganti), a “Spirit-
Hall,” or spirit-boat, in which the evil spirits are carried out of the house and got rid of; or else
he may induce a stronger spirit, e.g., the Tiger Spirit (vide infra), to enter into his own person,
and assist him in the task of evicting the offender. ↑
120