#Indonesian archipelago

[tenth-sentence]

A glance at a map (Figure 15.1) suggests that the colonists must have originated ultimately from the nearest continent, Southeast Asia, by island hopping through the Indonesian Archipelago.

"Guns, Germs and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years" - Jared Diamond

[leannareneehieber]

So proud of my collaborator & business partner Thom for this very important essay via Reactor on the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Madripoor, a fictional city they've now set in Indonesia. Please read, please share & learn some history from a member of the Indonesian diaspora who beautifully weaves in his own family's difficult life experiences into this article about how Southeast Asia is depicted.

Please share, because I didn't know the Indonesian history Thom shares here and I find that tragic. Learn something new today!

[d0llsart]

gravity falls — malay archipelago!AU

This AU is based off the maritime trading period of malay and indonesian culture + folklore.

in this AU, stanley pines is a fraud fortune teller/conman and mabel & dipper sailed down straits of malacca for the monsoon season at their grunkle's 'kampong misteri'.

ummmm yeahhhh silly doodles teehee :3

[cenvast]

Rin, Kabru, & Toshiro: On Asian Identity

I have a lot of thoughts about Rin's identity as a second-generation Asian refugee and how it impacts her relationships with other characters, especially Kabru.

I see Rin as being Indonesian specifically. The name "Rinsha" is of Muslim Arabic origin. In real life, Indonesia has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, so what might seem like a geographically incompatible name works if Rin is the Dungeon Meshi equivalent of Indonesian.

Rin also says that her parents came from an island that isn't Wa, and Indonesia is a series of islands.

In her Adventurer's Bible entry, she's described as having "no real knowledge or attachment to the East" because "she's second-generation." She also clarifies to Mickbell that she was "born here." From this character description and her dialogue, we get the sense that Rin doesn't really identify with being Asian.

As noted in this Rin masterpost, a large part of this is because she was denied her parents' cultural identity by the elves. They likely suppressed any cultural markers she had and denied her information about her heritage. Since she wasn't born in the Eastern Archipelago and her parents died when she was young, she understandably hasn't inherited a lot of cultural knowledge.

Rin seems to have internalized ethnic self-hatred. Her disconnect from the East and her unwillingness to remedy that disconnect suggests that she has shame surrounding her Asian identity.

Again, she doesn't have many opportunities to interact with people from her parents' homeland, and her trauma also impacts her behavior. Remembering her parents is probably painful, considering the horrible way they died, and since they're her main connection to her cultural heritage, it makes sense that she wouldn't broach the topic.

You could also argue that Rin identifies more with her Northern identity than her Eastern identity since she was born and raised in the North for the first eleven years of her life, and as a result, she doesn't feel the need to connect with her parents' culture. But considering her home was presumptively still steeped in her parents' culture and her main association with the North is probably her parents' murders, this seems unlikely.

It's important to note how different her experiences are from the story's other Asian characters', like Toshiro's, for example. Toshiro travels to the Island as an adult of his own volition (technically, his father's). He's completely culturally Eastern. In comparison, Rin's parents fled from the East. Her family had to assimilate into an unfamiliar Northern culture, and later, she was "raised" by western elves, who are coded as colonizers in text. She seems to have internalized the elves' suppression of her culture and the way assimilating to the North required them to discard parts of their heritage. Her lack of interest in her culture seems learned.

Her strong attachment to Kabru further complicates her relationship with her Asian identity. I see Kabru as Indian or Nepalese; his name derives from a mountain on the border between India and Nepal. On top of being the only person who treats her like a human being during her childhood, Kabru is the only other significant Asian person in her life. They share the trauma of their parents having been brutally murdered and being raised imperfectly (much more severely in her case) by elves. While in the elf's care, they're both othered as tallmen— this aspect is strongly emphasized in the text — and in the main story, they're othered as Asian people in its European-inspired setting. Their shared experiences as Asian refugees are the foundation of their close bond.

It's not a stretch to assume that Rin consequently views Kabru as her main connection to being Asian. While they're from very different parts of fantasy Asia, their experiences as Asian refugees still overlap significantly as seen above, and the way she clings to Kabru suggests she wants to connect more with her culture, but for the previously stated reasons, she doesn't prioritize it. Besides, she doesn't have good models for what embracing one's cultural identity as a refugee/immigrant looks like. Just like her, Kabru doesn't seem to have many cultural ties, similarly because of his upbringing with the elves.

Toshiro could completely topple Rin and Kabru's original dynamic. Rin doesn't seem to like Toshiro. Their personalities would probably clash at first, because just like him, she's prone to judgment, out of self-preservation, and she's quiet. One of their canonical interactions is being captured by the orcs together; they don't even speak to each other in this scene.

Kabru and Toshiro become friends by the story's conclusion. Deep down, Rin might feel threatened by this. She's been Kabru's closest Asian friend up until this point. Toshiro, as an Asian person who was born and raised in his culture, might seem like a "better Asian" and thus, Kabru's replacement for her. This would be the worst projection of her buried insecurity over her disconnect from being Asian and how it potentially separates her from other Asian people. Given her personality, I doubt she would express this beyond acting wary around Toshiro.

With time, Rin, Kabru, and Toshiro could resolve her fears and the deeper issues they point to by all becoming friends. Interacting with other Asian people would heal her. She appears unphased by Mickbell's microaggression, implying it isn't an uncommon occurrence; she seems to only hang out with Kabru and their party. Being around other people of color would lessen the amount of othering she experiences and grant her a break from defending her identity.

Beyond the potential for cultural exchange and bonding over being Asian in fantasy Europe, Rin and Toshiro are also very similar in character. They're both anxious, quiet, and caring. If they made a little effort, they'd relate to each other and get along well.

Ideally, Rin would also befriend Hien, Benichidori, and the other girls in Toshiro's party. Kabru and Toshiro have their own issues with their treatment of women, so without positive Asian female friendships, she'd have another issue on her hands. Still, Kabru could be the bridge to a friendship with Toshiro, and Toshiro could be the bridge to friendships with his retainers. And with mutual growth, they could all enjoy each other's friendships.

Rin herself points out the vast cultural differences and language barriers between different parts of the East. The Asian characters of DunMeshi might not always share culture, but because of the story's setting in fantasy Europe, many of them experience being nonwhite in a mostly white locale. A support system of other people of color could allow Rin the space to explore her identity and culture and begin healing from her childhood trauma.

[ilikeit-art]

The Raja Ampat archipelago is part of the Indonesian province of West Papua and consists of over 1,500 islands.

[mindblowingscience]

Vast arrays of solar panels floating on calm seas near the Equator could provide effectively unlimited solar energy to densely populated countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Our new research shows offshore solar in Indonesia alone could generate about 35,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar energy a year, which is similar to current global electricity production (30,000TWh per year). And while most of the world's oceans experience storms, some regions at the Equator are relatively still and peaceful. So relatively inexpensive engineering structures could suffice to protect offshore floating solar panels. Our high-resolution global heat maps show the Indonesian archipelago and equatorial West Africa near Nigeria have the greatest potential for offshore floating solar arrays.

Continue Reading

[arkipelagic]

A lot of those who insist that Filipinos are Pacific Islander instead of (or, in addition to) Asian often rely on loose interpretations of the term Pacific Islander and the fact that the Philippines was used as a stepping stone in the Austronesian expansion to the east. What they ignore or may not know is that (1) the superficial similarities between Pacific Islanders and Filipinos are not unique to Pacific Islanders and Filipinos but with Austronesian-speaking peoples in general, including Austronesian-speaking Southeast Asians and (2) we Filipinos simply did not have as regular and as vigorous a contact with the Pacific Islands - if any - compared to the Asian continent. We still don’t.

Think about it: the earliest known trade network in the Philippines included what is now Taiwan and Southeast Asia, i.e., the Philippine jade culture which dates as far back as 2000 BC and lasted for 3,000 years. Nephrite jade from Taiwan was manufactured in the Philippines and distributed elsewhere in the nearby region. After that were the Sa Huỳnh-Kalanay Interaction Sphere from 500 BC through AD 100 and of course the so-called Maritime Silk Road during historical times. What followed was then the very familiar colonial era of Iberian, Dutch, and British presence in Asia.

The earliest Filipino artifact with a given calendar date is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription which was written in the year AD 900 using a Brahmic script in a combination of Sanskrit, Old Malay, Old Tagalog and/or Javanese. Upon the arrival of Magellan six hundred years later in 1521, it was a man titled rajah who greeted him in Cebu. Half a century later, the aged grandson of the sultan of Brunei was ruling Manila. To this day, among the lesser Hispanicized and Americanized ethnic groups across the Philippines, the Ivatan of Batanes speak a family of languages shared with the Tao of Orchid Island, Taiwan and the people of Bangsamoro have more in common with Bruneians, Indonesians, and Malaysians than they do with the Māori, Kanaka Maoli, or Fijians. Indigenous Borneans are closely related to Filipinos.

As for myself, I was raised in Davao where you’ll find Cebuano, Ilonggo, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Mansaka, Mandaya, Manobo, Bagobo, Chinese Hoklo, Japanese, and Indian people live; no one local I’ve ever met has identified as Pacific Islander and there was never a question as to whether I was Asian or not because I was surrounded by fellow Asians. It’s certainly hard to deny it when your country of origin is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, attempted to make a Malaysian-Filipino-Indonesian confederation happen, and contains the title “Pearl of the Orient” as a lyric in the national anthem.

Does this look like an archipelago that kept close touch with polities and cultures across the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years? Does this look like a society that is more Pacific Islander than Asian?

[petrifiedwoodsblog]

The History of Petrified Wood in Indonesia

Indonesia, an archipelago rich in geological and cultural history, is home to some of the most fascinating petrified wood deposits in the world. The country's unique geological conditions have created an environment conducive to the formation of these remarkable fossils. Here's a closer look at the history and significance of petrified wood in Indonesia. Sell Petrified wood in etsy

#### Geological Background

Indonesia's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with significant volcanic activity, provides the ideal conditions for the formation of petrified wood. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the resulting sediment deposits have played a crucial role in the creation of petrified wood. Over millions of years, trees buried by volcanic ash and other sediments have undergone permineralization, resulting in the beautiful stone fossils we see today.

#### Discovery and Early Uses

The discovery of petrified wood in Indonesia dates back to ancient times, with locals finding and using these stone-like pieces in various ways. Early communities may have used petrified wood for tools, ornaments, and ceremonial objects, appreciating its durability and unique appearance.

In modern times, particularly in the 20th century, the commercial and scientific interest in petrified wood increased. Local artisans began to recognize the aesthetic and economic value of petrified wood, crafting it into jewelry, furniture, and decorative items. This trade provided a source of income for many communities and helped put Indonesian petrified wood on the global map.

#### Notable Sites

Several regions in Indonesia are renowned for their petrified wood deposits, each with its unique characteristics:

- **Banten**: Located in western Java, Banten is famous for its high-quality petrified wood. The area has yielded numerous large and well-preserved specimens, attracting both scientists and collectors. SELL ON ETSY

- **Sumatra**: The island of Sumatra, particularly the regions around Jambi and West Sumatra, has significant deposits of petrified wood. The fossils found here are often characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

- **Kalimantan (Borneo)**: Kalimantan is another key area with rich deposits of petrified wood. The region's tropical climate and volcanic activity have contributed to the formation of diverse and well-preserved specimens.

#### Scientific and Cultural Significance

The study of petrified wood in Indonesia provides valuable insights into the region's ancient environments and climatic conditions. By examining these fossils, scientists can reconstruct past landscapes, understand vegetation changes, and gain a better understanding of the geological processes at play.

Culturally, petrified wood holds a special place in Indonesian heritage. It is often used in traditional crafts and modern art, symbolizing the connection between the natural world and human creativity. The trade and display of petrified wood also contribute to local economies, supporting artisanal communities and promoting tourism.

#### Conservation Efforts

As interest in petrified wood has grown, so too have concerns about its conservation. Over-collection and illegal mining can threaten the preservation of these natural treasures. Efforts are being made to regulate the collection and trade of petrified wood, ensuring that these fossils are protected for future generations.

#### Conclusion

Petrified wood in Indonesia is more than just a geological curiosity; it is a testament to the country's rich natural history and cultural heritage. From ancient times to the present day, these stone fossils have captivated the imagination and provided valuable resources for both scientific study and artistic expression. As efforts to conserve and protect petrified wood continue, its legacy will remain a significant part of Indonesia's story. Petrified wood bowl in etsy

[thebleedingwoodland]

TS4 - Indonesian Cuisine (Part 1)

D E C O R A T I O N

7 Meshes converted from TS3 version.

>> LINK Part 2

>> LINK Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Sate

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🚨[FIXED] UPDATED 15 January 2024 : All food CC were cloned and using Specular images properly, so there are no more weird dark shadow appears on food mesh 🚨Please re-download again.

Bakul Nasi has 3 swatches.

🚨UPDATED 10 DECEMBER 2023: Shadow for Bakul Nasi & Ayam Penyet fixed. 🚨

----------------------------------------------------

Indonesia merupakan negara Asia Tenggara terbesar yang kaya akan budaya, dengan beragam suku dan memiliki banyak pulau, sehingga budaya kulinernya sangat bervariasi, tidak terbatas hanya Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Sate saja. Karena banyaknya variasi makanan tersebar di Nusantara, CC dekorasi makanan ini tidak cukup untuk merepresentasikan keseluruhan makanan Indonesia yang tersebar di berbagai pulau. Selamat makan!  

Indonesia is biggest Southeast Asian country that is rich of cultures, with many ethnicities and has a lot of islands, therefore has many variants of cuisine culture, not just only Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Sate. Because there are so many food variants across the archipelago, these decoration CC are not enough to represent all Indonesian cuisine that spread in many islands. Let's eat!

Nasi is rice in Bahasa Indonesia, which is staple food to be eaten together with lauk (dishes: consists of meat & vegetables). Indonesian food generally have Sambal option, therefore a lot of Indonesian food are served spicy.

Can be found on Decorations> Miscellaneous

[ Download ] UPDATED 15 January 2024

[howtomuslim]

The Fascinating Impact of Islamic Trade Expansion

In the rich legacy of Islam, trade emerges as a vibrant thread, stitching together diverse cultures and societies. The profound impact of Islamic trade on the spread of Islam, and its transformative influence in regions such as East Africa and Indonesia. Through engaging insights, we uncover the beauty of Islam as a unifying force that transcends borders and fosters connections among people.

Trade Routes as Pathways of Faith

Islamic trade flourished along the ancient Silk Road, acting as a conduit not only for goods but also for the exchange of ideas and beliefs. The Quran emphasises the importance of knowledge and learning, encouraging the pursuit of wisdom through interactions with different cultures.

O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware. Quran 49:13

Prophet Muhammad’s teachings promote fair and ethical trade practices, emphasising honesty and transparency in all transactions. These principles laid the foundation for a positive image of Muslims in the trading world.

‘Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.’ (2:279)

���God loves those who are fair and just.’ (49:9)

‘A truthful and trustworthy merchant will be in the company of the Prophets, the upright and the martyrs.’ (reported by Tirmidhi)

East Africa: Islamic Trade and Cultural Fusion

Islamic trade played a pivotal role in the cultural and religious fusion along the Swahili Coast creating a melting pot of cultural influences. The exchange of goods was accompanied by the exchange of ideas, leading to the flourishing of Islam in East Africa.

Muslim traders in East Africa became integral members of local communities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region and making it one of the wealthiest regions in the world at the time. This interaction exemplified Islam’s emphasis on community and mutual support.

The maritime routes of the Indonesian archipelago served as conduits for Islamic traders, bringing not only spices but also the teachings of Islam. The Quran encourages exploration and appreciation of the diverse creations of Allah.

We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things? Quran 41:53

Islam took root in Indonesia, fostering unity amidst the diverse cultures of the archipelago. The Quran celebrates diversity of cultures and people, recognising it as a divine manifestation resulting in the spread of Islam to a plethora of different cultures worldwide, making a religion that started among the Arabs become a religion where only 20% of the Muslim population are Arab. 

The beauty of Islam unfolds through its impact on trade, acting as a catalyst for cultural exchange, knowledge dissemination, and exchange among diverse communities. As we reflect on the historical journeys of Islamic traders, let’s appreciate the way Islam’s principles of fairness, honesty, and community building have left an indelible mark on the regions they touched.

References:

Quran 49:13

Quran 96:1–5

“Islam in East Africa.” BBC Religions, www.bbc.co.uk.

[zvaigzdelasas]

Since Indonesia’s bloody anti-communist purge in the 1960s, politics in the archipelago nation have largely been dominated by centre-right forces. But a newly formed leftist party believes it can garner enough popular support to start changing that.

At a press conference in Jakarta on January 3, Indonesia’s Labour Party (Partai Buruh) chief Said Iqbal said his party’s electability was on the rise in the lead-up to the February 14 general election.

Said, who is also president of Indonesia’s Trade Unions Confederation, cited a recent survey by pollster Risetindo Barometer as evidence for his claim.

“An independent survey was conducted in 18 cities involving 1,200 respondents, and found 67.8 per cent of workers or 3,390,000 voters, both unionised and non-unionised, planned to vote for the PB,” he said. Said pointed out that the figure would correspond to 2.3 per cent of Indonesia’s total number of eligible voters. “This means we only have 1.7 per cent to go before crossing the 4 per cent parliamentary threshold to make it into the House of Representatives (DPR).”[...]

“PB [could] be the first centre-left party to accomplish this feat. Its success in qualifying for the election was in itself remarkable, given that another centre-left party, Prima, didn’t,” [...]

In 2020, President Joko Widodo signed the Omnibus Law aimed at easing business by cutting red tape. But unions and labour activists branded the legislation as a major setback for labour rights and protections. Some controversial clauses include reductions in the size of severance pay and paid leave. Activists also claim the law provides employers with new loopholes to deny workers permanent work status and other benefits.[...]

“Our party has decided not to back any of the three presidential candidates because our condition for support was a signed political contract spelling out the respective candidate’s commitment to revise the Omnibus Law,” he said.

None of the candidates agreed to do so, he said[...]

uruddin said his party’s strategy revolved around “real issues affecting people’s livelihoods” which have been neglected by the more established parties, citing the government-managed universal healthcare system (BPJS) as an example.

“While the BPJS seeks to cover the healthcare of all Indonesians, in reality around 20 per cent of the population is unable to access it, largely because they can’t afford the monthly dues,” he said.

Nuruddin said that at the city level in Surabaya, he had started lobbying officials to provide subsidies for poor residents – including itinerant construction workers, vagabonds and small traders – so that they could be covered under the scheme.

He said the PB had instigated a new mechanism in Indonesia’s electoral process known as “constituent recall”, under which voters could demand the removal of their representative if he or she were deemed to be in serious breach of voter aspirations.

9 Jan 24

[drconstellation]

A Dash of Nutmeg

I'm in the middle of preparing my next meta, and while mulling over a problem a had a wtf! moment. More like a "lead balloon" moment, really, where you realize you're looking at one of those glaring anachronisms that the Good Omens AU has plenty of but never makes a big deal of.

Nutmeg. And lemongrass. You know, they get mentioned together in this little passage in the book:

"Come off it. Your lot get ineffable mercy," said Crowley sourly. "Yes? Did you ever visit Gomorrah?" "Sure," said the demon. "There was this great little tavern where you could get these terrific fermented date-palm cocktails with nutmeg and crushed lemongrass-" "I meant afterwards." "Oh."

Nutmeg then turns up in the S2 as part of Aziraphale's magic sleight of hand performance.

The reason it jumped out to me is that nutmeg has played a significant role in the history of the world - it was the center of deal between two countries that you could say became a "sliding door" moment about 500 years ago. And because of that, I knew its origin put it at unlikely odds of being in the right place at the right time in the GO story (but when has that ever stopped anything getting in the way of the story!)

Although we don't know if Sodom and Gomorrah were actually real cities, we know they are supposed to predate the Roman Empire, and that is what matters here. And the matter I'm trying to get to is that the natural origins of nutmeg are from small cluster of islands in the Indonesian archipelago that were a closely guarded secret for centuries. The first nutmeg reached Rome in the first century AD, long after Sodom and Gomorrah would have been razed to oblivion by Sandalphon's smiting efforts. And there was never very much of it. It was always in short supply, and considered precious.

Oh, and its a well known hallucinogenic, if you consume too much of it. Even just a generous amount sprinkled on your Christmas pud can give you a lovely relaxed, floaty feeling...mmmm, or was Aunty Jill a bit heavy-handed with the brandy, I'm not sure...

Lemongrass is also of south-east Asian origin. It likes a hot, damp environment to grow well. I'm not sure that's the kind of place Sodom or Gomorrah was!

So for Crowley to describe a cocktail, of all things, with two exotic, rare ingredients from thousands of miles away in a "time" when the trade routes hadn't quite spread that far...

ugh. My head hurts just thinking about this one.

Did I mention I found a thing that many cultures believed nutmeg could protect you against evil? Right, right...whatever. Go for it, Crowley. You've obviously been into the mind-altering chemicals for millennia anyway.

[fatehbaz]

Madras [...] [was] the English East India Company (EIC)’s most important settlement on India’s Coromandel Coast [...]. [T]he town’s survival as an EIC colony often depended on the deployment of medical and natural historical knowledge in regional diplomacy during a critical period of its existence. [...]

---

Established in 1639, the English East India Company’s settlement at Madras (also known as Madraspatam or Chinapatam, now Chennai) had quickly become the focal point of EIC operations on the Coromandel Coast. By 1695, Samuel Baron described it as ‘the most considerable to the English nation of all their settlements in India whether ... in reference to the trade to and from Europe, or the Commerce from one part of India to the other’. The later attempts to establish trades to China and Japan, to resettle the Indonesian archipelago, and to gain a foothold in Bengal, were all directed from Fort St George. [...]

Browne [an English surgeon] used his patrons in the Mughal establishment and the Company hierarchy to build up a lucrative business supplying drugs to the camps of the Mughal generals. Browne’s contacts in the Mughal army were also useful for the Company [...].[D]uring the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, Madras was in a difficult position. [...] Again, Company officials turned to the network of surgeons with access to the Mughal hierarchy [...]. In 1707, the year of the Emperor Aurangzeb’s death and a time of political unrest in the Mughal Empire, Bulkley was sent to Arcot on a mission that combined medical and diplomatic aims. While there, he also collected several volumes of plants and information about their medicinal virtues. [...] The network of contacts that could be built up between physicians, who had the advantage of close personal access to those at the centre of power, was an important way to exchange information and gifts. [...] Knowledge of plants and the means of employing them was thus crucial to establishing the East India Company’s position in India [...].

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The Company’s gardens [...] also revealed, in their beds and borders, the networks that Madras was embedded within, as ships brought seeds and plants from other Company settlements, the territories of the rival European powers, and places of regional trade [...]. The surgeons used their space in the Company gardens to experiment with local plants and to introduce crops from around the world. [...] Both Browne and Bulkley also raised plants they received from their networks of correspondents overseas: Browne describes growing China root, a popular medicinal substance normally identified with Smilax China, rhubarb, cinnamon trees from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and wild agallo, benjamin and camphor from Manilla. [...]

[T]he scramble for the manuscripts or [plant] collections [...] [demonstrates] that the acquisition of natural knowledge was a crucial part of the competition between European trading companies to acquire and exploit the wealth of the Indies. Each of the two surgeons [Browne and Bulkley] [...] also sent a huge amount of plant materials to various correspondents in Europe [...]. Among the contacts that the surgeons maintained in England were several London apothecaries including his brother-in-law, who ran a shop in Bread Street, and Mr Porter, a drug-gist in Cornhill Street. The circle of botanists who received collections from the East Indies formed a close, though not always friendly, group of experimenters and gardeners who constituted the overlapping membership of the East India Company, the Royal Society, and the Society of Apothecaries.

The web of contacts that the two surgeons maintain within the colonial world of the Indian Ocean were invaluable because they provided them with the materials necessary to make Madras a ‘centre of calculation’ by supplying them with materials on which comparisons and connections to their own collections could be drawn. [...] Bulkley wrote at a time of transition in both England and India. [...] However, it is clear at least that by the time Bulkley died in 1713, being buried at the end of his garden, the United Company was more securely established at Madras, as expressed in its now immaculate gardens.

---

The networks of doctors had been crucial diplomatic actors in a critical period during which many believed that Madras was fated to be eclipsed altogether. [...] It was the new relationship with the rulers of Arcot established by these doctors that eventually enabled the Company to consolidate its base at Calcutta.

The surgeons’ collections reflect the hybrid environment of early modern Madras and the networks – maritime, military and diplomatic – that the doctors were embedded in [...]. Many details are missing from this reconstruction of the practice of medicine and botany in the early colonial city. Unlike the contributors to the Hortus Malabaricus, we never learn so much as the names of the Tamil and Telugu-speaking doctors who were so crucial in collecting and revealing the medicinal uses of the specimens the surgeons sent to London. Nevertheless, the role of these collaborators was clearly crucial. [...]

The collections of these two surgeons, who were key players in the transformation of politics and botany in the region, straddling local and international concerns, in many ways provide the perfect portal through which to view Madras as it was transformed from a trading post subservient to the interests of regional powers to a major player in British colonial expansion.

---

All text above by: Anna Winterbottom. “Medicine and Botany in the Making of Madras, 1680-1720.” In: The East India Company and the Natural World, edited by Vinita Damodaran, Anna Winterbottom, and Alan Lester. 2014. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[d0llsart]

mystery twins design WIP for one of my gravity falls AUs based on my culture and its folklore!

since alex hirsch himself posted a video on twitter of a caklempong gravity falls cover i was like YEAHHH NAW I GOTTA MAKE AN AU TO REP MY CULTURE

my context: im mixed indigenous and malay+indonesian and always grew up hearing stories and reading books about folklore from the malay archipelago — so what if i just *snap🫰🏼* malayified the pines twins

based on this tweet i made a few days ago

basically the nujum pak belalang folklore is that pak belalang is a conman (in this case of my AU it's stanley) and his child belalang (in my AU the mystery twins) helps him out with his plans to become a famous fortune teller for the raja (king)

there's so many more folklores i could add maybe even design pages of ford's journals to be pages of actual creatures from my culture such as orang bunian (essentially elves) and so much more

LIKE CHAT LEMME COOK ,,,, ?!?!

[themakeupbrush]

Puteri Indonesia Jawa Tengah 2023 Regional Costume: Wayang Potehi

"Wayang Potehi" are hand puppets originating from China that were introduced into the Indonesian archipelago by Chinese settlers between the 16th and 19th Centuries. Their importance as media of education, entertainment, information and philosophical understanding cannot be underestimated and they are central to the identity and culture of the Indonesian nation. The word "Potehi" is derived from "pou" (cloth) "te" (bag) and "hi" (puppet) and the puppets are worked by the puppeteer placing their hand inside the puppet, as one would wear a glove or mitten. Initially, Wayang Potehi were used to recount stories about life and the pursuit of glory but throughout their history they have become more and more significant and valuable in their portrayal of the Indonesian national identity.

[askcarlislecullen]

Do you still give Esme valentines gifts and if so, are you sometimes struggling with what to give her since it’s probably hard to find something better than an island?

We often give each other our time for St. Valentine’s Day. It is a few days before my birthday, so we typically take some time alone together somewhere, be it one of our islands (we own several; the most recent acquisition is in the Indonesian archipelago) or elsewhere. It is true that with a great deal of wealth the costliness of a gift is not the main metric by which it is judged. In our family, it truly is the thought which counts. Both of us have felt as loved by a $5 gift from the other as a $500,000 one.