Southeast Asia Lontar Collection, undated

Summary

Abstract:

The Southeast Asia Lontar Collection contains seven lontar collected between 2019-2022 placed in one oversize box. Lontar are dried palm manuscripts with multiple sheets that depict stories, astronomy, illustrations, and other content primarily from Indonesia. The collection features lontar of varying languages and sizes.

Extent:

1 Linear Foot

Language:

Lontar with text are mainly in the Balinese and Sasak languages.

Authors:

Finding aid created by Tere Elizalde using ArchivesSpace, July 2023.

Background

Scope and Content:

A set of seven lontar (dried palm manuscripts consisting of multiple sheets, with a hole to connect each sheet by string) of various sizes from Indonesia. The lontar depict stories relating to Ramayana, Rama-Sita, Puranic literature, or depict moon phases along with propserous days through llustrations and/or text in mainly Balinese and Sasak langauges. Their outside covers, which are thicker pieces of bamboo or other wood, often have patterns that can help identify the contents.

Lontar no. 1: An accordion-type of lontar made from palm leaves with illustrated sheets and text. Possibly includes drawings depicting the Ramayana story.

Lontar no. 2: A type of lontar referred to as a prasi lontar, which are illustrated without text and retell epic stories in the Balinese language. Focuses on Rama-Sita stories.

Lontar no. 3: Written in the Sasak language, this Lontar is probably a Mahabharata edition. May have been created by a person who migrated to Lombok.

Lontar no. 4: A Balinese lontar consisting of the Ramayana story, identified through the spotted cover and illustrated engravings.

Lontar no. 5: An Indonesian lontar with drawings of the god Indra and his wife Indrani as well as a high priest and his wife. This type of lontar was influenced by India and Puranic literature.

Lontar no. 6: A Balinese lontar part of the wariga genre. Warigra lontar lists the days of the new moon and full moon. Also has a list of prosperous days for daily activities.

Lontar no. 7: A Balinese lontar with handwriting indicating possible origins in Western Lombok.

Biographical / Historical:

The Southeast Asian Lontar collection features a variety of lontar written in a variety of languages. Lontar, which have an origin in South Asia dating back to the 5th century BCE, spread to other countries including places in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, and were in use until the 19th century. They were often created to depict stories, religious rituals, and other texts and illustrations.

Acquisition Information:

Gift of Alan and Judith Becker, collected by Fe Susan Go, 2019-2022.

Arrangement:

Each lontar is placed within a separate custom-sized box and all lontar are grouped together in one oversize box.

Rules or Conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

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Subjects:

Palm-leaf manuscripts