Does anybody knows what these are?

[u/diet_m_dew]

English is not my first language so I apologize for any grammatical mistakes. On the 26th of March, my younger sister and her friends found these folded paper in our street. She showed it to me and I found it really bizzare, our hair stood up. She also said that the plastic with a triangle, contained a cross (I am not sure if it was a pendant or wooden carving), but her friends took it and so they were not able to take a picture of it. Also, I believe this is not the original copy, but a printed copy cause it is noticeable. What I am certain of is that the original copy is surely written by hand.

My first thought was, these are used by 'mangkukulam' or witch because of the Latin words. I have seen a lot of witches in movies using Latin chants to cast spell. IDK. Let me know what u think.

[u/buffer_overflown]

I'm really only getting translations and then making some educated guesses. There are references to things in Indonesia and the Phillipines, like "Sinotris Gentillorum" which is a commissioned work for the Ballet Phillipines. Mataram was apparently a Javanese (Indonesian ethnic group) Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in like the 9th century.

Honestly it seems like a mashup of Christianity and local cultural beliefs and references. Some searching led me to a Facebook profile which had artwork in a similar vein.

It's basically a word salad of statements and references. I'm disinclined to use the word witch because it probably has different connotations for me, but this is maybe at most a little talismanic [in the same sense someone might have a statue of a religious figure or excerpts from a bible]. Not really anything I'd call a spell. Like I said elsewhere, it's basically a poster with references.

[u/ChaoticCatharsis → u/buffer_overflown]

Thank you for this response the “standard schitzoid stuff” comments I find are rather dismissive.

[u/Az0nic → u/ChaoticCatharsis]

Yes I agree. It's at least a little bit interesting deciphering some of it.

[u/buffer_overflown → u/ChaoticCatharsis]

Schizophrenia and witchcraft just felt like superficial answers. The definition of witchcraft has too many cultural variables so I was cautious of the term, esp. since I don't understand how the word might be used in that region and translated from a different native language.

[u/airduster_9000 → u/buffer_overflown]

Good way to test the newest generative models.

Here is the answer after o1 thinking about two of the images for 17 seconds.

"It looks like some sort of folk‐religious or esoteric prayer sheet—possibly a blend of Catholic imagery (the figure very much resembles the Virgin Mary) combined with magical or Kabbalistic–sounding words and phrases around her. A few observations:

1. Iconography
   • The central robed figure with a crown and a halo strongly suggests the Virgin Mary.
   • There are angels drawn above and beside her. This is common in Catholic or Marian devotional images, but there’s also some text that doesn’t look strictly “church Latin.”
2. Textual Elements
   • Some of the words look vaguely Latin or pseudo‐Latin (“nuctim,” “norim‐dei,” “sangrata,” “gentilorum,” “omnipotent,” etc.), but they don’t form coherent Latin phrases.
   • Other lines seem to be strings of syllables or mantras (“nuyuziyun,” “aecam aecam misit…”) that don’t appear in mainstream Catholic prayers.
   • The word “CABAL” on the left might hint at “Kabbalah,” or it could be something else spelled phonetically.
   • The circular arrangement in the second sheet has a lot of fragmentary words or names, suggesting a diagram or a “wheel” of divine names, saints, or mysteries.
3. Possible Purpose
   • These sorts of sheets sometimes function as protective talismans, “prayer circles,” or “miraculous” novenas—especially in certain folk Catholic traditions. They can be used as amulets (folded up and carried) or hung in the home for spiritual protection.
   • The hodgepodge of Latin, angelic names, or Kabbalah‐like words often appears in syncretic or esoteric Catholic practices—for example, in parts of Latin America or the Philippines where folk spirituality merges with Catholic iconography, or in certain occult/ritual prayer manuals.
4. Likely Not ‘Official’ Liturgy
   • Standard Catholic devotions (like the Rosary, the Hail Mary, etc.) are in clear Latin or vernacular. These sheets have a more mystical or arcane flavor—suggesting a personal or folk tradition rather than an official church prayer.

In short, it seems to be a folk/occult‐leaning Marian prayer or talisman—a mixture of Catholic iconography, scattered Latin, and possibly invented or arcane “holy words” arranged in a wheel or aura around the figure. Such items are often used for spiritual protection or invoking blessings, outside of strictly orthodox Catholic practice."

[u/LeeTorry → u/airduster_9000]

Filipino here, I used to work in the Museum ng Katipunan as an intern. What you have there are replicas of Katipunan revolutionary documents against the Spanish colonial forces, meanwhile the ones with drawings are talismans or "anting-anting" as we called them. Filipino revolutionaries would wear them either as necklaces, handkerchiefs, or even clothes as they believe that they give them protection and strength as theu combat the Spanish and the local guardia civil. The Philippines is a devout Christian country and these can be seen as one of the many ways we would interpret a foreign culture by local means.

Seeing that these were printed chances are that these were replicas of actual documents and "anting-anting" they were probably for a school presentation or a local museum. The Museo ng Katipunan has the actual anting-anting used by the revolutionaries in display.

[u/raito9 → u/airduster_9000]

This needs upvotes, very accurate explanation!

[u/Opioidopamine → u/airduster_9000]

sounds about right….appears to be some templar/alchemical influence

[u/copasetical → u/airduster_9000]

there might be hope for AI after all....

[u/BlackAmaryllis → u/buffer_overflown]

Yeps my first thought was Anting anting stuff (Philippines) when I saw it

[u/dinpls → u/BlackAmaryllis]

I thought the same. My mom has stuff like this

[u/pailee → u/dinpls]

Exactly, nothing to look at. Definitely not a spell. Please move along.

[u/ohmydarlink → u/BlackAmaryllis]

Orasyon specifically.

[u/arshandya → u/buffer_overflown]

As an Indonesian, yeah these papers are kinda familiar to me. They’re known as rajah or azimat. But because we’re a muslim majority country. You’ll find them written in Arabic like this one below.

They’re supposed to give its owner many benefits such as to repel disasters, physical immunity, romantic charm, business charm, etc.

They’re NOT a proper muslim belief though, because anyone believing these papers is considered shirk (idolatry, a huge sin in Islam)

[u/r-_-mark → u/arshandya]

It’s actual magic right

[u/arshandya → u/r-_-mark]

I personally don’t believe it though, they’re literally photocopied papers.

[u/copasetical → u/arshandya]

"F**k around and find out." 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤪🤔

[u/LanceIceVanJaunt → u/arshandya]

This is Philippine Agimat right here. Said to protect the holder from harm.

[u/copasetical → u/LanceIceVanJaunt]

OO00ooh!

[u/SeigiNoTenshi → u/arshandya]

The one posted by OP are from the Philippines, anting anting or agimat. But same thing!

[u/nursenow → u/buffer_overflown]

Thank you so much for sharing! Just to further the examination “Sinotris Gentillorum” is the title of the second movement in the Ballet Philippines’ four-part ballet “Anting,” which explores the world of Filipino talismans and amulets. This specific movement, choreographed by Christine Crame, features a young woman who brings home a “taladro” (a type of amulet) and displays it on the wall. According to Google AI, anyway

[u/Rouletteer → u/buffer_overflown]

The writings reminds of the "anting-anting" or "aginat" they either tattoo it on their body or put the notes somewhere like a necklace or something thet can attack it on their body. The beliefs is that having one, it will make that person sort of bulletproof or will not get sick

[u/AmphibianSpecific851 → u/buffer_overflown]

Thank you for actually knowing what I'd going on because others don't and people hate when they don't know things, so they say the dumbest shit.

[u/LeeTorry → u/buffer_overflown]

Filipino here, I used to work in the Museum ng Katipunan as an intern. What you have there are replicas of Katipunan revolutionary documents against the Spanish colonial forces, meanwhile the ones with drawings are talismans or "anting-anting" as we called them. Filipino revolutionaries would wear them either as necklaces, handkerchiefs, or even clothes as they believe that they give them protection and strength as theu combat the Spanish and the local guardia civil. The Philippines is a devout Christian country and these can be seen as one of the many ways we would interpret a foreign culture by local means.

Seeing that these were printed chances are that these were replicas of actual documents and "anting-anting" they were probably for a school presentation or a local museum. The Museo ng Katipunan has the actual anting-anting used by the revolutionaries in display.

[u/buffer_overflown → u/LeeTorry]

Thanks for the extra context! It's been exciting to see people elaborating on the background of these objects.

[u/Thats-Puff → u/buffer_overflown]

so pretty much just a weirder "hang in there" cat poster? cool lol

[u/Busy_Marionberry1536 → u/buffer_overflown]

Thank you for your response.