Books Written On Leaves: International Experiences And Recommendations For The Conservation And Promotion Of The Palm-Leaf Manuscript Heritage In An Giang Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Palm-leaf manuscripts are significant heritage artifacts of South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures, including the Khmer community in the South. The recognition of the "Knowledge and techniques of writing on palm leaves of the Khmer people" from Tri Tôn and Tịnh Biên districts in An Giang province as part of Vietnam’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage underscores their cultural importance. Despite this recognition, the preservation and promotion of palm-leaf scriptures remain challenging due to various factors. This article examines global studies on the preservation and enhancement of palm-leaf manuscripts to glean international insights. Based on these findings, the article offers recommendations to improve the preservation and promotion of these manuscripts in Tịnh Biên and Tri Tôn districts, An Giang province.