Traditional Medicine Knowledge in the ULU Manuscripts of Bengkulu

Abstract

This study aims to describe the codex, text, and social aspects of the ulu manuscripts of traditional medicine preserved in the State Museum of Bengkulu. This research is based on philology, which methodologically utilizes the principles of codicology and paleography for analysis purposes. The research results are as follows: First, there are 13 manuscripts of traditional medicine in the State Museum of Bengkulu that belong to the Serawai and Pasemah ethnic groups based on the characteristics of the codex. These texts generally contain information about (a) various diseases, (b) characteristics or symptoms of a disease, (c) medicinal plants, (d) the method of mixing medicinal ingredients, (e) treatment methods, and (f) post-treatment activities, usually in the form of sedekah (offering). Second, the ulu writing tradition plays a role in documenting and preserving cultural knowledge, including knowledge of traditional medicine. The writing of the ULU manuscripts was meant as a practice guide both for the writer and for the readers of texts, assumed to have the same cultural background.

Keywords: Bengkulu, traditional medicine texts, ulu manuscript

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-19-01

Publication date: December 31^st 2023