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[No Author] Burmese Magical Manuscript (Parabaik)
[No Author] Burmese Magical Manuscript (Parabaik)
No Place: No Publisher, No date (late 19th - early 20th century). Folding accordion style manuscript (Parabaik) drawn on mulberry paper (both sides). Measures 5 3.4 inches x 13 3/4 inches. 84 pages. Drawn with a black ink and graphite. The calligraphic text appears to be in Burmese but possibly a regional or tribal (and similar) script. The manuscript looks to be in two different hands, with two pages showing what look like corrections. Includes images of demon-deities, ogre-spirits, magic squares, astrological tables, etc., with the text showing supernatural formulae, etc. Some wear to outer covers with one side showing a small chip and a tiny hole. Slight bend to one corner. Several pages show some old staining. In very good condition.
This manuscript was made from the inner bark of a mulberry tree. This particular style of manuscript is sometimes called a parabaik, but locally it is also known as "pap tup" and consists of rectangular sheets of paper that are glued together to make one continuous long sheet, folded backwards and forwards to create concertina-style pleats. They were often created by monks who were well versed in local magical practices. These manuscripts were often passed down to the following generation when the original creator was still alive. If nobody was willing to take on the role, a manuscript was often burned during the last owner's cremation rites, or offered to a local temple where it was ritually cleansed before being placed in the temple library.