This talismanic scroll is an object that is believed to have been used to protect or benefit the user, via some sort of magic, and are used for a variety of functions such as protection, healing or even sorcery. In Malay, these talismans are generally called azimat or jimat, although a protective amulet may also be called a tangkal. These talismans are usually worn or consumed by a person, or placed at a specific location. It is provenanced to the Malay peninsula as identified through its illustrations and decorative flourishes which show a strong connection to aspects of Malay decorative and performing arts such that of woodwork and theatre. They also tend to share imagery which are also found in textiles, sculptures and theatre of other societies that make up the Southeast Asian milieu. One key feature of this scroll which is common across manuscripts of similar nature is the 4x4 “magic square” – a grid containing numbers and alphabets. Known as the buduh magic square, it is used for various purposes within the Muslim world such as easing childbirth, attracting customers, providing protection and ensuring safe passage of letters and packages. In Malay manuscripts, variations of the buduh magic square are created for purposes of increasing businesses (pelaris), making oneself receptive to knowledge (penerang hati), and also protecting boats. It is even used for divination purposes via the techniques of scrying and sortilege.
