Pouch

Balasse

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: https://khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265

"268-270. Sacks - "Balasse".
Three sacks woven from palm leaves in different sizes; the large ones for storing rice, the small ones to be used as a money purse, in which are put the small, old Dutch copper coins called "Duiten", which are used as currency by the natives. These coins come from the time of the East India Company, are found on South Celebes in large numbers and are the only copper coins in use among the natives."

Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 56-57). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller