Medicine Peddlers and Storytellers

Many storytellers are credited with preserving the hikayat of old Aceh.

August 22, 2006

THE night sky over Bireuen is clear as loudspeakers mounted on a moving vehicle blare out, inviting residents to come to the towns square. Two sound systems are in place on both sides of the square. Soon about 1,000 people gather around for the attraction many have been waiting for.

The show begins with jugglers doing all sorts of tricks. One of the most gruesome scenes that makes the audience hold their breath is when a man, his hands tied to his

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