ICC Berakas: Collection of black magic paraphernalia

The ICC Berakas has been showing some very interesting array of items which are associated with black magic, witchcraft, bomohism and voodooism for the past two weeks or so. It is in conjunction with the Majlis Ilmu (loosely translated as the “Enlightenment Assembly”) which includes major players from various Brunei government and public agencies. The Majlis places special focus on aqidah, or specifically the loss of one’s aqidah through the belief of black magic, witchcraft, bomohism and their cronies.

The exhibition aims to educate the masses of these elements. As wise man, Sun Tzu (Art of War) had said,

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not your enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

So today I went down to the ICC Berakas to see the exhibition for myself after various accounts from friends and family. When I arrived at the ICC, the first thing I thought of was that there were soooo many people! I remembered thinking that I have never seen so many 30 year old men and women in one building ever.

We went first to the Gallery of the Sultans (name totally fictional because my rapidly failing memory refuse to recall the actual name), where there was a collection of information about all of the 29 Brunei Sultans. In the middle was a stage where a man asks a quiz. When I went in there, the question was,

“Siapakah Sultan yang pertama menggunakan wang pitis?” (Which Sultan introduced the Pitis currency in Brunei?”

I volunteered to answer the question, went up the stage and got it right! Hehe. Won myself some presents. Do you know the answer? If you do, then state the answer in the comments section and I’ll buy the first person who got it right a drink. 😉

Here are them presents reading material which are quite obviously sponsored by the Language and Literature Bureau. From left: Juara Pelajar, Bahana and Mekar (haha how very Primary Six).

After perusing the Gallery of the Sultans, we went and moved on to the more interesting part of the exhibition. There were many, many things on display, most of which are derived from nature itself and has unique physical qualities which makes them different, deviating from what is usual in nature. This difference is what usually drives people to think that the object possesses magical powers.

Instead of uterring “subahanallah”, praying and marveling at Allah’s creations, some people with weak aqidah irresponsibly take it upon themselves to implore whatever bogusness that the devils whisper into their ears. We fall into the devil’s trap and while we fall, they laugh.

Some examples (with some loose translations and their description):

“Tanduk Kijang Putih Kembar” – White horns of twin deers

What makes these horns special is the fact that they are a very distinct shade of white. Those in Indonesia apparently find these useful for those wanting to win lotteries.

“Mani Gajah Putih” – Semen from a white elephant

Eww. That’s very… unsanitary. What is this obsession of “white” things. Perhaps the typical Malay man’s preference for fair skinned ladies stems from this!

Anyway this is for, surprise surprise- attracting the ladies.

“Buluh Perindu” – Bamboo of Yearning

P. Ramlee movie lovers would recognise the name of this one! When I saw this buluh, and read the description provided I was instantly reminded of the Puteri Buluh Betung. Hihihi. Juvenile this.

Anyway from old folk’s tales, the buluh is used to make one’s voice like *insert favorite singer with powerful vocals*. Apparently, it can also make you rich and undefeatable.

“Buluh Bunian” – Bamboo of Elves

Elves are actually not an accurate representation of Orang Bunian but it is quite close. The only difference I guess is that elves are.. small? Hehe. But like elves, any story associated with Orang Bunian is shrouded with vagueness and mysticism, including, as above, their vegetation.

This buluh is used to guard us against evil. I’m thinking… reading the Ayat Kursi is better.

“Batu timbul di air” – Stone that floats on water

Ahh, unsurprisingly this is used to increase someone’s endurance underwater when hypothetically their boat capsizes or when they are thrown overboard. Maybe it serves as a buoy!

“Batu Hidup” – Living Stone

Apparently the rice husks are there to prevent the stone from… walking around.. the dish? Anyway it is usually used by shamans for protection against evil and any form of disaster. Also called the “Batu Petir” or The Lightning Stone.

***

Some exhibits are objects which are associated with death and those experiencing it. Below are again, examples:

“Tempayan Isi Abu Mayat” – Jar of a dead person’s ashes

This is used for casting evil spells on a person one doesn’t like.

“Minyak Dagu” – Essence of the Jaw

The most MORBID if the collection! According to some tales, this essence apparently requires a high level of black magic to produce. It is made from the head of a person who has been murdered. =S Very disturbing.

This is also used for casting evil spells on a person one deem undesirable.

***

Another element that seem to entice black magic practitioners are objects associated with mythical creatures. They seek these creatures, and when they somehow find them, obtain fluids and anatomical structures for the purpose of black magic.

“Rusuk Ikan Duyung” – Rib of a Mermaid

Must be a huge mermaid. Anyway, this is used for… casting evil spells again. In Harry Potter they only used a wand. See how resourceful Asians are.

“Air Mata Duyung” – Mermaid tears

Must’ve told a really sad story. Apparently used for married couples who wish to have a great sex life. Sheesh, need they make it seem impossible to have one?

“Toyol” – Alien

I don’t think this one is from Mars. 😛 Anyway, they are living creatures supposedly kept as pets by people who wants to steal money and refuses to do the dirty work. In return, the toyol sucks blood from the owner’s big toe. That’s just very… metaphorical as well.

[edit] According to many sources, the toyol is actually an aborted foetus which has been raised from the dead. That’s just.. really sad. =( Poor baby. [/edit]

***

Other items are just… simply man-made, with materials created by Allah by people who disbelieve his power but dare abuse His belongings.

“Azimat Wafak” – Wafak Charm

This is a piece of metal with scribblings, and you wear them to strengthen your inner strength (if that makes any sense), and to make one invincible.

“Azimat Perang” – War Charm

This is apparently a charm used for making enemies frightened and intimidated by the wearer. I’m telling you, all you need is good posture, black eyeliner, no smile and a confident attitude. Theatrics: that’s all to it.

“Jenglot” – Voodoo doll

You know what a voodoo doll does right? Well this is the Asian version.

“Baju kebal” – Jacket of Invincibility

Personally my favorite due to its sheer ridiculousness. It’s a shapeless fashion disaster which claims to be bulletproof.

Omigod this is a really long post!!! I’m going to end this here for now because I for one need to get out of my room!

To all readers, please for the love of god DO NOT by any reason or justification whatsoever practice any form of black magic whether for yourself or to other people, not even as a last resort. It is haraam, laknat and just plain mean. Place your belief in Allah Taala and his Prophet Muhammad SAW and they will protect you, far greater than any mermaid, doll, vest or essence can.

42 thoughts on “ICC Berakas: Collection of black magic paraphernalia”

  3. nolah ..Until the 19th Aug actually. The district whatever expo today last,. but the aqidah.. fosils smapi the 19th Aug. (i think, hehe,i rmbr the poster) BUt i cud be wrong. but i think inda jua.

    ada bh klai tu masih.

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  6. I like the kurafat exhibition as well.

    When I saw the floating stone, I said to my mom, ‘mum, atu density stone atu labih ringan dari density air, pasal atu ia floating’. Hehe.

    And the mermaid’s tears and bones, I laughed at that one too, mermaids don’t exist, after all, right?

    That ‘baby’ looked like an aborted foetus, that’s what my mom and I assumed it is.

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  8. Dang aku ani kan meliat exhibition yg ko post. Mcm inda jadi sal meliat arh blog mu saja. Any ideas till wat time the exhibition ends?

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  11. Pingback: ICC Berakas: Black magic paraphernalia (Part II) « Turquoise and Roses

  12. hey maurina, well done on the translation. when i went to the exhibit, i couldn’t work out what most of the things on display were for and what they were and some of the displays were empty, so thanks for posting stuff i missed out on!

    the minyak dagu is most definitely the grossest one of the lot. however, the people i went with said that it is actually oil extracted from a dead person’s chin.

    and a toyol isnt an alien… it’s an aborted foetus raised from the dead. but the purpose that it serves yang you stated is correct.

    how i know? well.. let’s say i know someone who dabbles in this stuff. creepy kan?

    btw i’ve moved. :o)

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  13. shasha, awu yatah! i couldn’t really find the malay form except for.. alien! LOL. but, i’ve been asking around lah the past few days and people also has been telling me that it’s an aborted foetus raised from the dead. that’s like.. eeeee. the minyak dagu is from someone’s chin, but the someone needs to be dead after being murdered. :S anyway, i wonder why some displays were empty when you came???

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  19. Interesting. The only one that surprise me was the baju kebal.
    Kalau kena bullet mesti tembus tu. Maybe the exhibitionist might have told you it depends on how strong your faith is but im not gonna try that. How is a cloth with kuranic verse considered in black magic?
    What is your opinion on people who claim to be white magic user(only under allah power) but are actually well disguised black magic user? Maybe you can make another post whenever you feel like it. Minyak dagu tu, ada wayang dia. Very scarry. Inside the movie they actually showed the process of sitting the person upright tetapi matanya terbuka when the flame was put under the chin. Best hantu movie ever.

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  20. Hi there Mat Payung,

    A cloth with Quranic verses in itself is not black magic, but the belief that it will somehow make someone “kebal” is considered khurafat. Therein lies the danger. As we all know, the only being able to make us “kebal” is Allah and Allah alone, with or without baju kebal.

    My opinion on “white magic users” who are actually “black magic users” is the same as my opinion on BAD BUSINESS DECISIONS. Conmen. They will only lead to trouble. And not just in this world.

    What’s the name of the movie? 🙂

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  25. Setelah melihat ini semua tentu kita berfikir bahwa dunia magis yang ada diluar nalar manusia ternyata ada dan kami tentunya terkagum-kagum, kami pernah melihat salah satu koleksi yang ada disini sebagian besar hanya melalui mulut ke mulut akan tetapi saya punya kenalan yang memiliki salah satu koleksi sebagaimana diatas yaitu sejenis tuyul bentuknya seperti monyet kecil berbulu berwarna kuning berukuran sebesar kepalan anak kecil bertaring dan dalam posisi tidur saya lihat punya teman saya dari Bandung makanannya beer, bahkan dalam botol tertutup apabila dihajatkan kepadanya bir bisa habis sendiri.

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  27. wow,wow…jaga sikit mulut tu….baju kebal tu bukan khurafat dik.Janganla nak buat imej Mat Saleh ,konon kalau benda tu misteri/AZIMAT selalu dia anggap nonsense.Well let me tell you ,Iwas a police zaman bintang 3 lagi,13 May.I bet you lansung hapah tak kenal budaya bangsa melaYU TUL TAK?AT LEAST NOT AS MUCH AS YOU KENAL GAYA ORG BARAT.HEHEHE.wELL BAJU KEBAL NI ADALAH HASIL BUATN ULAMA SILAM ,NI SEMUA TERMASUKLA SELENDANG ATAU ADA NEGERI PANGGIL SELEMPANG MERAH.aYAT TU SEMUA DIPILIH OLEH ULAMA…KALAU ORG INDONESIA DIA PANGGIL kIyai.i TAK DA NAK CITER KAT ORG YG TAK TAU HAL MKACAM NI,SO BALIK TANYA MAK BAPAK YOU ALL,KALAU DEPA TAK TAHU JUGA JGN BUKA WEB NI AND CAKAP MANDAI HAL YOU TAK TAHU.bAHAYA NANTI RAMAI YG MARAH…TAU..TAU KENA SANTAU LAK .KIBLAT KE BARAT TU YANG KHURAFAT…HE HE HE .

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  28. Rasulullah SAW menilai sihir sebagai salah satu daripada dosa besar yang dapat merosakkan dan menghancurkan sesuatu bangsa sebelum terkena kepada peribadi seseorang, dan dapat menurunkan darjat pelakunya di dunia ini sebelum pindah ke akhirat.

    Justeru itu Nabi bersabda:

    “Jauhilah tujuh perkara besar yang merusak. Para sahabat bertanya: Apakah tujuh perkara itu, ya Rasulullah? Jawab Nabi, yaitu: 1)Menyekutukan Allah; 2)Sihir; 3)Membunuh jiwa yang oleh Allah diharamkan kecuali karena hak; 4)Makan harta riba; 5)Makan harta anak yatim, 6)Lari dari peperangan; 7)Menuduh perempuan-perempuan baik, terjaga dan beriman.”

    (Riwayat Bukhari dan Muslim)

    Apakah yang bukan khurafat tentang post yg di atas ni? Mungkin saya ¨tak tau hapah¨ tentang benda2 ghaib tu semua. Saya hanya tahu bahawa Allah menghukumkan haram keatas sihir, ilmu hitam, ilmu santau, dan apa2 yg menyekutukan diriNya.

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    1. hai maurina,
      actually my father in law try to find out air mata duyung untuk tujuan perubatan.ada ke dijual secara komersial or kita mmg hard to find it.

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  30. dear sir, i have ancient manuscripts of perfect black magic & ayurceda [indian herbal medicines].those books are in sanskrit, modi [ancient marathi script] & prakrut.if you are interested please e-mail me.

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  31. Just simple…

    b4 we start claiming thing’s are so bad and ridiculous to believe, answer this – do god ask your permission to do thing’s? Is is impossible for god to do such thing?

    we must have faith in `ghaib-unseen thing..have faith that it is possible to exist but not to give our faith to `the thing – as azimat..keris…ring..what so ever…we must clear god have the power..and god granted or created such thing with such atribute as one way to show His power..

    wa la haulawala quuwata illa billa hil `aliyil azim..

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  32. dear sir, i have ancient manuscripts of perfect black magic & ayurveda [indian herbals].those books are above 200 years old.if any buyers there please inform me.

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  34. aslkum brunei,saya komen brg2x yg saya liht atu hanya perantaran saja,jgn ler kita percaya sangat brg2x mcm atu.setiap adanya allah mecipta,di sini saya juga minat megumpul brg2x dari alam ghaib,seperti mustika air yg mampu beranak,mustika embun,geliga kecubung,geliga ular cintamani,geliga asam kelumbi,buntat kelapa dan mcm2x lagi…brg ane cuma perantaran saja.akhir sekali dgn kata2x aslkum…..

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  37. I think it is awesomely funny that you say not to practice black magic or believe in mermaids etc but then tell people to place belief in Allah and Muhammed. How does one fictional character cancel out the other. Maybe we could believe in Jesus or Buddha or any of the multitude of ‘almighty beings’ that are meant to watch over us. End of the day, believing that anything controls your life beyond yourself is just an excuse – Take control and responsibility of your own life and leave such belief to the people to weak to believe in themselves.

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  38. Macamana pun kuasa yang ada pada ilmu hitam atu kuasa Allah swt inda jua dapat di tandingi nya. Maka banyak2 tah mengamalkan ayat2 suci Al’koraan semoga kitani berserta keluarga akan sentiasa terlindong dari perbuatan ilmu hitam yang durjana.

    Subahaanallah…..Alhamdullilah…..Walaaela Haillangllah…..Allah Akhbar.
    Ingatan buat semua : Sesungguh nya tiada yang lebih berkuasa selain dari Allah yang maha esa.Maka jangan mudah terjerumus dengan perbuatan2 yang bolih menyalahi aqidah kitani Inshallah.

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  39. old but still interesting review!
    i wondered if anyone guessed the first Sultan…
    “Siapakah Sultan yang pertama menggunakan wang pitis?” (Which Sultan introduced the Pitis currency in Brunei?”

    Sultan Abdul Momin issued the first Pitis.
    He ruled from 1853 to 1885. The principal metal of this coin is lead with some tin content. On the front, the coin shows the Royal umbrellas and other Brunei state insignia. The coin also has an inscription translated as “By order of the State Financial Administration of Brunei, in the year of the Prophet 1285″[1]. The year of the Prophet 1285, or 1285 Hijrah (AH 1285), is the date according to the Islamic calendar and it corresponds to AD 1868. The coins were of two denominations – ½ and 1 pitis.

    lemme know if the deal for a drink is still on!

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  40. Payah ku kan percaya kan hal tahyul mahyul ni. Setau ku perkara ghaib yg wajib d percayai dlm rukun iman ialah perkara gaib seperti syurga neraka malaikat yg nyata ujud tapi inda dapat d lihat sekian.

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