Pustaha

Physically, a pustaha consists of two hardcovers (lampak) and pages made of softened tree bark (laklak) for the writings.

A datu wrote the pustaha in Batak script using an ancient language style known as the hata poda.

The hata poda originates from the southern part of the Batak land with some Malay word additions.

The pustaha is used by the datu as a reference for him and for his students for all kind of information related to magic, rituals, prescriptions, and divination.

Black magic knowledge in pustaha includes ways to attack, inflict damage or kill enemies.

Another example of black magic is a poison called gadam which can cause the skin of the drinker to become "scaly like the victim of a leper".