Palm leaf book
Scope and Contents
Bound manuscript on palm leaf base, possibly made in India, Burma, or Siam. Palm leaves were an early type of writing material. The scribe scratched characters into the leaves using a sharp pointed instrument or stylus, then applied soot mixed with oil or pigment into the incised lines to make the writing visible. Holes were punched in the leaves, which were then strung on cords to hold them together.
This manuscript has cords with decorative coins, and is bound between two wooden boards.
Dates
- Creation: undated
Access Information
The collection is open for research.
Copyright and Use Information
Material in this collection is in the public domain. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.
Historical Information
“From ancient times up to early 19th century the palm leaf was the main writing material in Sri Lanka. The art of palm leaf book making was a unique feature of Sri Lankan religious and academic culture. Buddhist sacred script (Tipitaka) and related literature as well as works on other mundane subject fields such as medicine, art and crafts were committed to writing on palm leaves.” Source: Palm Leaf Manuscript Study and Research Library, University of Kelaniya (archived website)
“Many of these documents are Buddhist religious texts, though other subjects are also found. Palm leaf manuscripts originate predominantly from the southern and south-eastern areas of Asia, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos.” Source: Palm Leaf Manuscript, University of Southern Mississippi Special Collections
Extent
0.20 Cubic Feet (One flat box)
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Physical Access Requirements
Item is in fragile condition. Great care must be used when viewing.
Acquisition Information
Source and date of acquisition are unknown. Item was likely purchased by Purdue Libraries as a teaching resource, circa 1960s.
Processing Information
Material placed in an acid-free box.
- Title
- Palm leaf book
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Elizabeth Wilkinson and Adriana Harmeyer
- Date
- 2025-01-06
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
- Edition statement
- Second edition. Collection description was first completed 2010-12-02.
Revision Statements
- 2025-01-06: Collection description updated to match updated description standards and identifier updated from ##qsg to MSS 1 by Adriana Harmeyer.
Repository Details
Part of the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Repository
504 Mitch Daniels Boulevard
West Lafayette Indiana 47907 United States
765-494-2839
archives@purdue.edu