Anisong (Ānisaṃsa) Manuscripts from Luang Prabang (Laos) in a Comparative Perspective

Transformation in the Age of Printing

2020–2023

FNT01

*Lao Palm-leaf manuscript containing* Salòng khao phan kòn (Rewards derived from the donation of one-thousand rice balls). The first folio (at the top) was inscribed by hand, all following folios were written with a typewriter. To be inserted into the typewriter, the palm-leaves had to be softened in a special procedure. Buddhist Archive of Photography (BAP), BAD-13-1-0685. Laos, Vat Saen Sukharam, 1985 CE.

This project studies a corpus of manuscripts bearing one of the most popular and widespread Buddhist writings in Laos and Thailand, namely homiletic texts called anisong. Manuscripts containing anisong texts, written on palm-leaves or mulberry paper, are used in various kinds of ceremonies carried out by monks and novices. Acting as an incentive for offerings made to monasteries and the community of monks (sangha), they serve an important function in the social and economic relationship between laity and sangha. The main corpus of manuscripts to be studied is from Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos where the practice of anisong is still alive. This corpus, which for a greater part is accurately dated, is augmented by anisong manuscripts from northern Thailand and neighbouring Tai speaking areas in eastern Myanmar and southwestern China. The project investigates the transformation in the regional manuscript culture(s) in the Dhamma script cultural domain with regard to the materiality, such as changes of writing support and writing substances, but also to script, book form and visual organization. Finally, the socio-economic aspects for the production, circulation, and usage of anisong manuscripts are significant especially in those areas where the local manuscript culture has been a living tradition until present day.

People

Project lead: Volker Grabowsky

Research Associate: Silpsupa Jaengsawang