Mat

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: khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265"272-273. Mats.Mats woven from lontar or palm leaves about one meter wide, two meters long, as they are used by the natives throughout the whole Indian Archipelago for sleeping. A mat like this, with a small cylindrical shaped pillow comprise the sleeping place of the common man. Only privileged persons and noblemen use mattresses of wool, although also these are then covered with more or less finely woven mats like our bed clothes. In the homes of the wealthy natives the sleeping place is surrounded by colored cotton curtains to protect against the numerous insects and mosquitoes. The nobles and privileged persons have curtains of cloth sumptuously embroidered with gold. The sleeping places of these persons are much larger than those of the common man, several square meters, so that a whole family can find room in such a tent. The poor man, however, also finds peace and can sleep without such a curtain. For protection against mosquitoes, insects and the cold of the night, he wraps himself in his sarong like a coat, pulls his knees up to his chin and sleeps in this position unmoving through day and night."Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 57-58). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller