Knowledge of traditional medicine in the Indonesian archipelago dates back centuries. It encompasses fundamental understandings of nature, the human body, and spirituality, as well as various forms of plant, animal, and mineral-based treatments. Visual evidence of this rich tradition can be found in the carvings on ancient temple reliefs. For instance, the Borobudur Temple relief, which dates back to the 9th century AD in Magelang, Central Java, showcases knowledge about different plant species and their uses, as well as the food and drinks they produce, including various types of herbal remedies. Remarkably, some reliefs even depict efforts to care for the sick.
One interpretation of the kalamerga relief at the Sukuh Temple, which dates back to the 14th century AD on the slopes of Mount Lawu in Central Java, by Karisma Putri Miranti and Agus Setiawan suggests that it might represent a womb with the presence of a human figure inside, serving as an expression of knowledge about the biological fertilization process. This interpretation is not entirely unwarranted, considering that the yoni and linga forms also express gender, and the inner sanctum of a temple is referred to as the garba grha, where “garba” is another word for a mother’s womb. The spiritual dimension is unveiled through a contextual exploration of other reliefs, suggesting a sequence of stories related to “Sudamala,” a quest for self-identity.
Thus, by delving into the archaeological artifacts, we can unearth our ancestors’ profound understanding of the human body and their efforts to maintain health. This knowledge goes beyond the realms of biology and chemistry, encompassing the spiritual dimension as well.