Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra23241891roya).pdf/170

 Hitherto, as far as I am aware, no worked stone of this class has ever been found in Singapore, though stone implements have been obtained in some numbers in Perak and Pahang, where they are known as Batu Linta. These latter are generally made of a black igneous rock, and of a narrower form than the present one. The form, however, of a stone are must always depend on the texture and hardness of the stone and its cleavage. And the exceedingly hard texture of this granite is, no doubt, the reason for its broad shape. The edge has evidently been ground very carefully, but not equally, one side being flatter than the other. From this I gather that the weapon was used as an adze or biliong.

Of what race were the makers of these weapons we are entirely ignorant, none of the wild tribes use stone weapons, nor do they know anything about those that are found in the Peninsula. Nor is the stone of which the Pahang specimens are made, known at all from this region. It is probable that these were brought from farther East, but the Singapore specimen is made of granite, and of such granite as is found at no great distance from Tanjong Karang, namely, at Pulau Ubin, and I also found an outcrop of granite in one of the hills between Tanjong Karang and Toas. It is probable, therefore, that it was made on or near the spot where it was found, possibly from a sea-shore pebble of granite from the neighbourhood of Pulau Ubin.

H. N. R.

 

PANTANG LARANG OF NEGRI SEMBILAN.

The Yam Tuan Besar of Negri Sembilan has recently caused to be published certain rules for the conduct of the Malays of that State. These rules–Pantang Larang—are not new, but are some of the old rules of the State. They are now published to show the masses that the Malay customs are in full force as hitherto. The following is a translation:—

It is forbidden—