Southeast Asia Lontar Collection, undated
1 Linear Foot
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.