Conservation of Palm Leaf Manuscripts

By: Erika IchiharaLIS 620

Overview Background Information Factors and Consequences of Deterioration Procedures for Conservation

Removing Insects Removing Surface Soil Repairing Mechanical Damage Oiling

Review of Palm Leaf Manuscripts Produced from dried palm leaves South Asia and Southeast Asia

Preparing palm-leaves in southwest China

Factors of Deterioration Physical Factors/Climate Biological Factors Chemical Factors Human Factors

Consequences of Deterioration

Discoloration Damage by insects Fungal effect Splitting of the

surface layer Fading of writing Brittleness and weakening of the leaves

Insect Damage

Procedures for Conservation Clean soiled surfaces Strengthen image Support damaged areas Impart flexibility Reduce further insect damage

Removing Insects Kill all insects infesting manuscripts Freeze, mothballs containing para-

dichlorobenzene or naphthalene Placed in airtight container Gently brush with soft brush to remove

dust and insect parts

Removing Surface Soil Dry Cleaning (soft brush and erasers) Cleaning and Hydrating Old, Dried Oil

Soak in non-bleach detergent and warm water

Ethyl alcohol

Repairing Mechanical Damage Use Japanese-type tissue with PVA and

methyl cellulose Similar to mending

Paper should be thinner than the palm leaf

Oiling Neem (maragosa) Oil

Insect repellent too! Lightly apply with soft brush Air-dry to avoid molding May use lampblack to improve clarity of

writing

After finishing with these repairs… Polish with soft dry cloth, restring with

cord, case, and box, together with a small amount of insect repellant

Bibliography ChinaA2Z. "Dai people create "civilization on palm leaves"." Available from

http://news.chinaa2z.com/news/html/2009/20090417/20090417093336200316/20090417093838783608.html. Accessed 30 April 2011.

Cornell University Library: Department of Preservation and Conservation. "Cambodian Palm-Leaf Manuscripts: Procedures for Conservation." Department of Preservation and Collection Maintenance. Available from http://www.library.cornell.edu/preservation/manual/palm.html. Accessed 25 April 2011.

Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) and Cornell University Library. "Palm Leaf Manuscripts." Library Preservation and Conservation Southeast Asia Tutorial. Available from http://www.librarypreservation.org/preservation/indigenous1.htm. Accessed 25 April 2011.

Perumal, P.. "Conservation of Palm Leaf Manuscripts." Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Available from http://www.iiap.res.in/archives/pdfs/Perumal.pdf. Accessed 25 April 2011.

University of Southern Mississippi. "PalmLeaf Manuscript." Special Collections. Available from http://www.lib.usm.edu/spcol/exhibitions/item_of_the_month/iotm_nov_08.html. Accessed 29 April 2011.

Whitman College. "The PalmLeaf Manuscript." Sheehan Gallery. Available from http://www.whitman.edu/sheehan/PostCards/exhibit-a.html. Accessed 29 April 2011.