Faculty of Design

Illustration

Anh-Lin Lagace

Sundel Bolong

Sundel Bolong are "prostitute ghosts" in Indonesian tales who died giving birth or died before birthing. Pregnant outside of marriage, these women give birth in their graves, their babies climbing from a hole in their back. The hole is usually covered up by their long hair, and the evil spirit then seduces living men. These ghosts castrate the ones who reject her, and kidnap living children to replace their own lost child. Their story acts as a cautionary tale against prostitution, demonizing women who pursue sex work.