Batak

Several distinct but related peoples of northern Sumatra in Indonesia. Numbering approximately 2.5 million, the Batak speak languages belonging to the Austronesian family.

The most numerous and most centrally located are the Toba Batak who live south and west of Lake Toba. Although shamanism is an important aspect of their traditional beliefs, they were influenced by Hinduism between the 2nd and 15th centuries. The syllabic script of the Batak, which was inscribed on bamboo, horn, bone, and tree bark, is based on Indian scripts. Although the island of Sumatra has many Muslim peoples, most Batak did not adopt Islam. Since 1861 German and other missionaries have been active in northern Sumatra, and today over 80% of the Batak profess Christianity. Many Batak are rice farmers but they also grow potatoes, yams, cinnamon and, increasingly, rubber and coffee. They also produce handicrafts such as dyed textiles, and build large and elaborately carved and painted houses.

The Batak live in large fortified villages, each under a noble chief whose position is not hereditary. Villagers are the commoners, and there are also slaves (debtors and war captives). They formerly practised cannibalism, eating their war captives and those of their own people who had transgressed tribal customs.