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.