RAAP—038
BATIK TALISMAN
In the Malay world, manuscripts frequently detail practices involving cloth inscribed with talismanic scripts, letters, numerals, and geometric forms used as protective or healing devices. This batik cloth is exemplary, densely covered with sacred formulae and symbolic imagery. Central is the Cincin Sulaiman (Ring of Solomon), depicted as two interlocking squares forming an eight-looped star. Surrounding this motif are four symmetrical wings, each inscribed beneath with the names of the angels: Jibrail, Mikail, Israfil, and ʿIzraʾil.
At each corner of the cloth are single half-wings invoking divine unity through inscribed dhikr affirmations: “Allah is One and has no partner, Muhammad is His Messenger and Prophet.” Beneath these half-wings appear the names of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs, Abu Bakar, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali, further amplifying the textile’s spiritual potency. Likely worn as protective headgear, this calligraphically dense batik embodies Islamic devotion and ritual safeguarding, materializing scripture as wearable cosmology.
At each corner of the cloth are single half-wings invoking divine unity through inscribed dhikr affirmations: “Allah is One and has no partner, Muhammad is His Messenger and Prophet.” Beneath these half-wings appear the names of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs, Abu Bakar, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali, further amplifying the textile’s spiritual potency. Likely worn as protective headgear, this calligraphically dense batik embodies Islamic devotion and ritual safeguarding, materializing scripture as wearable cosmology.