A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
Malay Magic records a Perak narrative about a man from Katapang in Sumatra whose pregnant wife requests a female mouse-deer carrying male young. He misunderstands her and seeks a pregnant male. Having sworn never to return without it, he hunts endlessly. His dogs move through the sky while he walks below looking upward; his head becomes fixed against his back, and a plant grows from a leaf lodged at his throat.
His son eventually finds him using the names of the hunter and dogs. The father warns his family about obstructions outside houses and says the birik-birik bird’s night call signals his approach. Skeat prints charms that vary the names of dogs and weapons, and notes other origin accounts. Plate3 photographs a Selangor-made model carrying a spear and a lame hound in a wallet, with other hounds ahead.
Origins & earliest records
Malay Peninsula; Perak account with Katapang origin
Records & interpretation
Directly read identified historical collection; narrative and collector classifications distinguished.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Malay Magic
Chapter V: Magic Rites connected with the Several Departments of Nature, Air—Birds and Bird Charms, printed pp.112–120; plate3
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Malay Magic
Malay Peninsula collected traditions. Chapter III: Animal spirits, printed pp.112–120; plate3
Actual historical narrative read directly; no generic ethnic photograph substituted for creature illustration.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical collection / primary recorded narrativeMalay Magic — Chapter III: Animal spirits, printed pp.112–120; plate3Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.