Preferred Citation

MSS 16406, Kamawa-sa manuscript, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.

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.

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Buddhism -- Burma