Native pre-marital rite - Jakarta (Indonesia)

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Native pre-marital rite - Jakarta (Indonesia)

A native girl of Jakarta (Indonesia) straddling a specially-designed wooden mounting block draped with a white cloth in order to catch the blood, thus proving her virginity prior to intended marriage with the standing girls brother. A servant girl (witness) crouches nearby and will take the towel to the groom-to-be

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Media ID 4435621

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10282180

Batavia Block Blood Cloth Indonesia Jakarta Marital Mounting Patterned Proof Proving Record Rite Ritual Sari Servant Test Testing Towel Virgin Virginal Virginity Witness Witnessing

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image from the past, a native girl of Jakarta, Indonesia, undergoes a pre-marital rite to prove her virginity before entering into matrimony with the standing man's brother. The girl is seen straddling a specially-designed wooden mounting block, draped with a pristine white cloth. The purpose of the cloth is to catch any blood that may be shed during the test, serving as proof of her virginity. The scene is set against a backdrop of traditional Indonesian patterns and textiles, with the girl wearing a vibrant sari adorned with intricate designs. A servant girl crouches nearby, ready to take the towel, which will be handed to the groom-to-be as evidence of the successful completion of the test. This historical and culturally significant ritual, also known as the "test of the towel," was once a common practice in Jakarta, then known as Batavia, during the Dutch colonial era. The rite was believed to be an essential part of the marriage process, ensuring the purity and integrity of the bride-to-be. The image captures the essence of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indonesia, providing a glimpse into the past and offering a window into the lives of the native people. The intricate patterns on the clothing, the solemn expressions on the faces of the girls, and the wooden mounting block all add to the authenticity and historical significance of the scene. This photograph is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving cultural practices for future generations. It serves as a reminder of the history and diversity of Indonesia and the unique customs that have shaped its people and communities.

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