| Description |
The Knowledge and Techniques of Writing on Buông Leaf of the Khmer in An Giang belong to the category of folk knowledge heritage, containing the value and content of Buddhist scriptures, also known as Buông Leaf scriptures (Xatra Slákrít). This is a rare ancient book engraved on Buông leaves, written in ancient Khmer or Balinese, which appeared in the 19th century.
Buông Leaf scriptures have 4 types: Buddhist scriptures; Folk tales; Festivals, folk games; Folk teachings, showing the values of technique, aesthetics, art and have important significance in the spiritual and religious life of the Khmer people.
From choosing leaves, drying leaves, processing and using black powder to highlight the letters, especially writing on leaves (or carving letters on leaves) is very elaborate. The artisan uses a pen with a sharp metal tip (called a decha) to slowly carve on the dried leaves, carving on the leaves must be done evenly. After writing, people mix soot with oil and rub it on the leaves, then wipe the surface of the leaves clean, so that the letters stand out. When all the documents are written, the pages are pierced to "close" them into a book with a wooden cover, also known as Satra.
Each set of Sutras is 5 - 8cm thick, weighs 300 - 600 grams. Each set of Sutras has 4 - 10 books (volumes); each book has 20 - 60 sutra leaves; each leaf has 5 lines, with about 150 words. The content written on the leaves, in addition to copying sutras, also includes stories and lessons of high educational value to help people become good, maintain filial piety towards grandparents, parents... contributing to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Khmer people.
With its unique values, in 2017, the Ministry of Culture - Sports and Tourism recognized "Knowledge and Techniques of Writing on Buông Leaf of the Khmer" as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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