Sumatra Archeology - Part I : Barus (1)

Introduction to Barus

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Barus is an ancient port city on the west coast of the island of Sumatra. The city is famous for its camphor trade, which is produced from its highlands. Therefore, it became one of the destinations in the Maritime Silk Road in the past. It is not known exactly when the port city began to be established, but some researchers argue that Barus has existed since 1000 years ago.

Today, Barus is known as a sub-district in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, between 10 26-20 11 North Latitude and 910-980 53 East Longitude. The land is cleaved by a two-pronged stream of the Sirahar River, one leads to Ayek Dakka and the other leads to the Buluh Duri.

It was on this land that life had once flourished in a long historical period. As the best camper producer in the east, Barus has possessed a wealth that gives this port city the ability to develop its cultural and artistic life.

The traces of culture and art produced in Barus are still found today in historical sites, especially the ancient tombs where grave stones became one of the main expressions of culture and art in Barus. We will try to observe it all, one by one in CISAH.

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Artifact: Tombstone

Site Name: Mahligai Cemetery (Makam Mahligai)

Location: Sihorbo, North Barus, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra 22564

Comment on this artifact:

This tombstone is made using andesite rock material. The shape of this grave tomb and its decoration clearly introduces the distinctive characteristic of local art which is owned by the indigenous people of this region who are descendants of the Batak tribe.

This tombstone was made in the era of Barus Muslim kingdom (before the 19th century), and is one result of Islamic art that developed there. It is marked from the abstract values that appear on the shape and decoration of this tombstone. In addition, this tombstone also has an inscription carved with Arabic, which reads tauhid sentence.