Old SE Asian Tamil text bound writing 19"x3"x3" closed- See pictures
. It’s the only unidentifiable item left from my parents estate. The story is they were in Papua New Guinea in the late 70s and picked this up. That’s all I know about it. I believe it is written in Tamil. Could be some ancient text, could be a grocery list for all I know
Thank you for contacting Mearto. This is a palm leaf manuscript, sometimes called a lontar. They were made throughout Indonesia and nearby islands, and the subjects could be religious manuscripts, histories, prayers, or sutras. They could be related to Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, or secularism.
The language looks like Tamil or possibly Telugu. The cursive styles of written languages in Austronesia were actually changed into more curvy flowing styles so that writing wouldn't break palm leaves with sharp diagonals. The writing is inscribed with a stylus, then ink is applied and wiped off, leaving the visible lettering.
Lontars sell for a variety of prices, based on condition and other features-- some have illustrations, or come in boxes. Below are some examples. Based on sales, the Fair Market Value of this item is between $50 and $100.
$10
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/bali-simbar-lontar-style-manuscript-3140-c-f064ab4b74
$40
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/antique-bali-lontar-palm-leaf-manuscript-3150-c-706430a874
$50
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/28860816_balinese-abuida-script-manuscript
$60
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/balinese-abuida-script-manuscript-376-c-1cdf812e40
$140
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/oriental-manuscript-lontar-manuscript-287-c-4af47a4b99
$225 for 2, boxed, illustrated
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/8550263_1259-two-burmese-buddhist-temple-prayer-book
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