Skip to main content

Kamawa-sa manuscript

 Item — Flat_Box: 1
Identifier: MSS 16406

Scope and Contents Note

The Kamawa-sa (circa 1930s; 0.54 cubic feet) is a text on 16 unbound sheets made from folded layers of cotton cloth, thickly coated with laquer which has hardened to create a firm, glossy, smooth, yet pliant surface. These manuscripts, containing extracts from the Vinaya Pitaka, were usually created to commemorate the entrance of a family's son to a Buddhist monastery. Text is written in Magyi-za script; with accompanying sasigyo cloth tie patterned with monastic and royal symbols and the name, title, and pious aspirations of the donor. Wrapped in locally woven yellow cloth and contained in a highly decorated gold box with glass decorations.

Dates

  • Creation: circa Mid-twentieth century

Language of Materials

Burmese.

Historical Note

The creator of this item is unknown; however, these types of manuscripts were usually created to commemorate the acceptance of a young Burmese man into a Buddhist monastery.

Source: Materials within collection.

Extent

0.54 Cubic Feet (1 wooden box)

Title
Kamawa-sa manuscript
Author
Tanner Greene
Date
19 March 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Repository

Contact:
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
P.O. Box 400110
University of Virginia
Charlottesville Virginia 22904-4110 United States