Austronesian words for seahorse (Hippocampus spp.)

[Erik Zobel]

In Makassarese, the sea-horse is called 'dundu', which is actually the
root of the verb "a'dundu" - 'to bow'. The sea-horse is thus not likened
to a horse, but aptly named after its movement as it progresses through
the sea. Incidentally, a "pa'balle dundu" (sea horse medicine) is
available in Chinese pharmacies in Makassar, not necessarily only as an
aphrodisiac, but also to give back strength e.g. to fatigued drivers, as
it is said to contain a lot of vitamins.


--- Erik Zobel