This scholarly and extensive illustrated book is published to complement the 2009 and 2010 exhibitions in Jakarta and Leiden and it will be of more than passing significance. Specialist articles are on the history and culture of Sumatra since earliest times. Among the areas explored are: the Sumatra in pre-historic times; early history and archaeological material; Hindu-Buddhist sculptures in museum collections; Indic writing; trade ceramics; Islamic history and culture; court arts; textiles; and the performing arts. A wide range of artefacts and records from the museums' collections are illustrated in colour. With sketch map, bibliography and index.