Makasar Repeater

It repeats the first consonant in the preceding syllable. In Makasar writing, it follows that syllable; a vowel sign after it can give the repeated consonant a different vowel. In 𑻥𑻲𑻳, transcribed in Latin letters as “mami,” 𑻥 is ma, 𑻲 repeats m, and 𑻳 supplies i. It marks repetition, not a numeric value.

When does Makasar writing first appear?

Its earliest surviving paper evidence is from 1667. It appears in signatures on the Treaty of Bungaya. Makasar script was used to write Makassarese in South Sulawesi and served official purposes in Makasar kingdoms in the 17th century. It is thought to have developed from Rejang and resembles, but is distinct from, Buginese (Lontara). Buginese writing superseded it in the 19th century.