Paper short abstract:

The mediaeval settlement site at Lamreh, a harbour on the maritime silk route is one of the most important early Islamic sites in Sumatra. Two distinct traditions of tombstone art are in evidence, early plain forms of batu Aceh and the more ornate, obelisk-like stones that suggests links with southern India.

Paper long abstract:

The mediaeval pre-sultanate Islamic settlement site at Lamreh in Aceh Besar is an important site for understanding the arrival of Islam in Sumatra. Located on the ancient maritime silk route it has tangible links with southern India, Sri Lanka, Ayudthya and south China from the mid/late thirteenth century. Two distinct tombstone traditions are in evidence, early forms of batu Aceh and the so-called plang-pleng tradition which are only found in a limited number of coastal locations in Aceh. This paper attempts to create an analysis of both of these forms and other sites, related to the arrival of Islam and the story as realted in the Sejarah Melayu.