Hello again! For my second post, I would like to introduce the subject of my Fulbright grant to my readers. My research in Cambodia surrounds the study of kraing, Khmer Buddhist paper manuscripts, an accordion-format book traditionally made with snay (Streblus Asper) paper. I am working at a temple about two hours drive from the capital Phnom Penh in rural Cambodia where there is a small collection of kraing manuscripts made from traditional snay paper dating back to the early twentieth century. The traditional practice of making kraing is believed to have started in the sixteenth century. It is estimated by my host institution—the Fund for Manuscript Publication in Cambodia (FEMC), a division of École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO)—that only 2% of kraing manuscripts survive today, making the collection at the temple where I work very valuable to my research.
My goals for the project are to assess the manuscripts and their materiality, clean and stabilize them, rehouse them, and to recreate the handmade paper production using the local snay tree. I aim to draw deserved attention to kraing manuscripts and Cambodian papermaking, and to create a portrait of the makers, readers, and caretakers of these 100-year-old manuscripts. This research will result in an artistic exhibition in Phnom Penh of sample manuscript replicas and papers, a selection of replicas of tools, photographic documentation, transcribed interviews, and historical background information. I seek to expand their presence within the history of the global spread of paper technology.
As of today, I have been working at the temple for about a month already. I received a warm welcome from the chief monk of the temple, as well as locals who are curious about my research. It’s very exciting to share my knowledge of western conservation practices, but the most rewarding experiences have been those where locals share their knowledge with me, regarding not only manuscripts but Cambodian folklore, traditions, and Buddhist practices. I am not a religious studies expert and before I came to Cambodia I knew very little about Theravada Buddhism. Little by little, I learn more and more every day.
The temple where I work is locally known as a repository for traditional manuscripts. These manuscripts are no longer in use so they are seen more as artifacts. The temple once had a collection of manuscripts that were all destroyed by the Khmer Rouge Regime. After the fall of the KR, manuscripts were collected from peoples’ homes and brought to the temple. I’m sure there are more kraing manuscripts out there than I am currently aware of, but they are extremely rare. I am reluctant to make any claims about the manuscripts this early in my research, so instead I will share photos that capture some of the most interesting aspects of the manuscripts. I continue to learn more and see new things every day I work with them. Time has not treated these manuscripts well but I hope you find them as beautiful as I do. I invite you to ask any questions you have about the manuscripts in the comments or privately via email (myers.isabella@gmail.com)
