Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula - Sabrizain.org

482
DECORATIVE ART
This treatment, however, is only continued up to a
certain point, and then the stem shrinks suddenly-
together to a single line ; this is to signify the diminu-
tion in size of the tree towards the top. Above this
panel there is a repetition of the pattern already de-
scribed at C, but in this case the three rows of the
pattern are explained as representing the spots on
the skin caused by the Disease, these spots being
described as resembling " melon-seeds," and as break-
ing out upon the head, the body, and the feet, thus
necessitating the three rows of the pattern.
The topmost panel (above the one just described)
represents fish-scales, which signify the leprous scales
caused by the Disease, and which are again repeated
in three rows, corresponding as before to the head,
body, and feet of the patient. They are multiplied
in order to denote that if not cured they will gradu-
ally spread over the whole body. Near the right
extremity of this panel are to be seen a number of
dots on the scales ; these
are meant to signify the
last stage of the disease, which is marked by incur-
able ulcers out of which blood comes. They are
said to resemble the sores which come from wounds
inflicted by the poisonous spines of a kind offish.^
The entire design is a survival of a charm-
pattern which was employed by the ancient Sakai
magicians.'
Fig. 12.— Pattern of a " tuang-tuang " resembling
Fig. II, the open end of the bamboo being in this
case at the bottom.^
^ There can, I think, be no doubt sented, too, may quite possibly rewhatever,
from what I myself saw of semble the " bidara pahit," which
small-pox on the east coast, and from the east coast Malays employ in their
what I remember of native descriptions ceremonies for wardin^j off the attacks
of the sj'mptoms, that this pattern was of the Small-pox Demon,
a small-i'Ox charm. The liee rcpre- ^ Z.f. E. xxvi. 179. ^ Jhid.