Traditional Ways of Caring for Historical Manuscripts in Lombok (Indonesia)

Abstract

This article discusses traditional ways of caring for historical palm leaf manuscripts (takepan) made from palm leaves (lontar) in the Lombok region, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Data were collected using interview and documentation methods. Ethnographic thematic analysis was chosen to describe the cultural characteristics of communities which foster a long tradition of caring for manuscripts. For this purpose, manuscript owners use a wide variety of local materials, including komak (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet), kara (Canthium coromandelicum), or urang aring (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.) leaves, charcoal from coconut fiber, oil from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and candlenuts (Aleurites moluccanus (L.) Willd.), and used engine oil. Methods of caring for manuscripts using various natural materials have been practiced for a long time, demonstrating the ongoing appreciation for and relevance of takepan manuscripts.