Barus

Until 1663, the small settlement of Baros fell under the authority of the sultan of Atjeh. The VOC received permission to set up a trading post here in exchange for assistance during the revolt against the sultan. With its numerous rivers, Baros was well situated for the transhipment of products from the interior. These products included camphor and a mixture of resin and fat known as 'harpuis' which was smeared on ships' hulls against marine growths and ship-worm.