Battas

Battas, or BATAKS, a remarkable race belonging to the Malay stem, inhabiting the part of Sumatra south of Atcheen. Originally spread over the whole northern half of the island, they are now shut in on all sides from the sea, but in the highlands of the interior they have hitherto maintained their individuality and independence. According to Junghuhn, their number is about 150,000. Although in form they show the usual Malay type, they are taller and stronger than the inhabitants of the coast. In colour they are light-brown, and have somewhat prominent features and long hair. They work at agriculture and cattle-rearing, and live together in villages, protected by thickets of bamboo stakes. The government is derived from the old Malay form, and is democratic in character. Each village has its rajah, but his influence is great only in times of war. The real government is through popular assemblies, which are often stormy scenes. Slavery is an established institution, the usual cause of the loss of liberty being debt. Polygamy is permitted. The punishment for murderers, prisoners of war, adulterers, spies, and traitors is that they are killed and eaten. Though surrounded by Mohammedans for centuries, the Battas revere the memory of their ancestors, and believe in wicked spirits, and in gods bearing (not Malay but) Indian names. The arts of reading and writing are widely spread. They possess an alphabet derived from old Indian characters, and a written literature (on bark or bamboo slips)—chiefly books on witchcraft, incantations, riddles, and stories.