NATURE
(a) Creation of the World
The theory of the Creation most usually held by Peninsular Malays is
summarised in the following passage, quoted (in 1839) by Lieutenant Newbold
from a Malay folk-tale:—
“From the Supreme Being first emanated light towards chaos; this light,
diffusing itself, became the vast ocean. From the bosom of the waters thick
vapour and foam ascended. The earth and sea were then formed, each of seven
tiers. The earth rested on the surface of the water from east to west. God, in
order to render steadfast the foundations of the world, which vibrated
tremulously with the motion of the watery expanse, girt it round with an
adamantine chain, viz. the stupendous mountains of Caucasus, the wondrous
regions of genii and aerial spirits. Beyond these limits is spread out a vast plain,
the sand and earth of which are of gold and musk, the stones rubies and
emeralds, the vegetation of odoriferous flowers.
“From the range of Caucasus all the mountains of the earth have their origin as
pillars to support and strengthen the terrestrial framework.”^1
The Mountains of Caucasus are usually called by Malays Bukit Kof (i.e. Kaf), or
the Mountains of Kaf (which latter is their Arabic name). These mountains are
not unfrequently referred to in Malay charms, e.g. in invocations addressed to
the Rice-Spirit. The Mountains of Kaf are to the Malays a great range which
serves as a “wall” (dinding) to the earth, and keeps off both excessive winds and