Document Attributes
Palm leaf Manuscripts
Document Attributes
Note: The following are based on survey results of parabaik and palm leaf in the Rare and Manuscripts Collection, Kroch Library, Cornell University Library
Physical Leaf Dimensions
height: average 2 inches
width: 10 inches to 23 inches, average of 21 inches
Physical Presentation and Condition
The manuscripts consists of single sheets with covers string-tied together. Palm leaves have concave and convex sides. Writing is inscribed on both sides of the leaf, skirting the holes which are used for holding the leaves together.
All of the old palm leaf manuscripts are fragile, brittle and stained. Their brittleness should be carefully considered when handling the manuscripts. The collection also includes new palm leaf manuscripts in Thai language that are printed and not handwritten.
Palm leaves are classified by page (double side count as one set of page). The number of lines on each leaf range from 8 to 12 lines.
Palm leaf are cased with wood and pierced with two round holes. The traditional way of using the manuscripts is to insert two small bamboo sticks to hold the manuscript bundle in place, preventing the leaves from falling. Strings are inserted through the holes when storing the manuscripts.
Some of the palm leaves in the collection have edges that are now black where the gold coating has changed color.
Document Types
Palm leaves are incised with a stylus.
Smallest significant character for palm leaves range from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm with an average of 3 mm.
Smallest stroke width for palm leaves range from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm with an average of 0.3 mm.
Color
The surface of the palm leaf has a golden color that can have black stains. The old ones have black stains which can lead to low contrast. But since writings are etched on the leaf, cleaning with a preservation acceptable oil will bring out the writings.
An uncataloged manuscript, which has a bamboo cover and very fine drawings inside, that is rare and valuable, needs an enclosure.
Parabaik Manuscript Document Attributes 
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