AMNH 70.2/1131 Malat: Cremation of Gajah Nuwinda (?)

Malat. The cremation of Gajah Nuwinda (?). A very interesting depiction of a cremation, organised in a highly symmetrical format. At each top corner there is a smaller inset scene. On the left, a pig, a cow and a turtle are being slaughtered (to make meat for the offerings and on the right a lion sarcophagus is burning, with a prince mourning in front of it, and behind him an orchestra, consisting of two large gongs and a drum. In the centre of the painting is a huge cremation tower. To the left of it are the main characters of the Malat, Panji, Prabu Gegelang and Prabu Malayu, with many followers, including men carrying rifles. On the right is a padanda (high priest), possibly a padanda boda, being carried on a chair with a snake effigy (the naga banda).