Palm-leaf books 1600-1699

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Palm-leaf books 1600-1699

MS 140


Collection Summary
Creator:
Collection Name:	Palm-leaf books
Inclusive Dates:	1600-1699
Physical Description:	.2 linear feet
Abstract:	Two manuscripts from South or Southeast Asia constructed from Talipat palm leaves. The first is dated seventeenth century; the second is undated. The first is comprised of twenty-six polished palm leaves inscribed with characters; another leaf is plain.
Collection Number:	MS 140
Language:	Materials are in English.
Repository:	University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections University of Arizona PO Box 210055 Tucson, AZ 85721-0055 Phone: 520-621-6423 Fax: 520-621-9733 URL: http://speccoll.library.arizona.edu/ E-Mail: LBRY-askspcoll@email.arizona.edu

Biographical Note

Uncertain designation. The first is noted as being a Thai religious manuscript written in the Bali Sanskrit language; the second is undocumented. Physical characteristics, however, suggest they could possibly be Sinhalese or Burmese works, written in the Pali language of Buddhism.

Scope and Content Note

Two manuscripts from South or Southeast Asia constructed from Talipat palm leaves. The first is dated seventeenth century; the second is undated. The first is comprised of twenty-six polished palm leaves inscribed with characters; another leaf is plain. The leaves are bound between two narrow wooden boards; 34 x 5.5 cm. The exterior of each board is painted with red, yellow, and black floral designs; the central flower on one is larger than on the other. Interiors are stained solid pink. Two holes are pierced through the leaves and the boards, but the connecting cord is no longer present.

The second manuscript has ten inscribed palm leaves, with another one plain. The leaves themselves are thicker and less finely processed than the previous example. The two wooden covers are longer, 63 x 6 cm., and each is painted identically. The exteriors have a black floral repeated decoration stenciled onto a gold background. Interiors are solid red. Two pairs of holes are pierced through the book, which is held together with a modern string. The edges are stained vermilion in the center, and gilt on both sides; edge treatment is a Siamese characteristic for sacred works. The book is protected by a traditional silk cover.

Arrangement

This collection is organized in narrative sequence.

Restrictions

There are no restrictions on this collection.

Copyright

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for the University of Arizona, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Access Terms

Subject(s)

Manuscripts, Burmese.

Manuscripts, Sinhalese.

Manuscripts, Thai.

Pali literature.

Palm-leaf manuscripts.

Administrative Information

Credit Line

Palm-leaf books (MS 140). Special Collections, University of Arizona Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Acquired as purchase, 1976.

Processing History

Processed by Staff.