Heart of Toba

Download or read book Heart of Toba written by nigel Foster and published by . This book was released on 2021-02 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lake Toba, the biggest volcanic caldera lake in the world, is surrounded by stories, mysteries, and myths. Despite its size it did not appear on any map until 1852, and even then explorers were deterred by stories of cannibals and headhunters. Prominent in the lake stands the massive Samosir Island, the Heart of Toba, the result of a volcanic resurgent dome. Foster joins an Indonesian team to learn about Toba Batak culture and history, delving into the history and geology, the traditional weaving of ceremonial ulos cloths, and the indigenous architecture. With the help of knowledgeable Batak within the caldera, he records stories of lost villages, seiches, unusual wildlife, and strange cultural beliefs. Traveling by kayak around the heart of Toba, Samosir Island, he meets fishermen in dugout canoes, and with the help of the knowledgeable son of a prominent Batak poet, learns about the island that once boasted more than two hundred kings. In this travel biography Foster presents a compelling picture of Batak life within the cradle of the caldera.