463.Islamic Malay Magic or Medicine Bowl, Sumatra, Indonesia

Michael Backman Ltd – HomeRare Sumatran Brass Magic or Medicine Bowl

Medicine or magic bowls typically originate in the Middle East. This example comes from Sumatra and is most probably the product of Minangkabau brass workers in the late 19th century. The interior and exterior, and rim are etched with Koranic sayings and talismanic symbols.

Magic bowls were made in the Middle East at least as early as the 12th century. They were used in Islam in the treatment of disease and other ailments, including insect and snake bites. Water placed in such bowls was believed to take on curative aspects after having come into contact with the various talismanic and Koranic symbols and verses etched onto such bowls. It was then drunk by the afflicted person.

In Sumatra, water was placed in bowls such as the one shown here along with hibiscus flowers (known locally as

bunga raya). After Benzoin had been burned, the water was believed to have acquired medicinal properties.

A near-identical example is in the National Museum of Singapore Collection

(catalogue no.B0229) and is illustrated in Singh, B.,

Malay Brassware, National Museum

of Singapore, 1985, p. 25.