• Coqbbertv (The emergence and migration of humankind)

Contributor:
  • Princeton University. Library. Manuscript. Indic Manuscript no. 90.
Publisher:
  • [China], [19th century or early 20th century]
Extent:
  • 9 leaves : paper
Format:
Abstract:
  • First volume of a story of origins.
Description:
  • Ms.
  • Description: Pictographic writing on thick paper.
Subject:
Provenance:
  • AM 14439. Presented by Mrs. Adrian H. Joline in 1924.
Edm rights:
  • Copyright Not Evaluated
View in catalog:
Curator's notes:

  • Naxi, in Dongba script
    China, 19th–20th century?, paper

    The set of Dongba pictographs used by priests of the Naxi community in China is unique as a script and often called “living hieroglyphs.” Originally written on wood or stone, they are used here in a book made from paper in the characteristic palm leaf shape but stitched together at its left side. Reading the script in most ritual books depends on previous knowledge of the text, but more fully written letters and deeds do exist. Displayed here is the first volume of a widespread story of origins.

    Gift of Mrs. Adrian H. Joline, 1924, in memory of Adrian H. Joline, Class of 1870
    Princeton Indic Manuscripts IM 90

    For further reading

    Friedrich, Michael. “Lost in translation? A brief history of the study of Dongba manuscripts from its beginnings to 1945.” In Bon and Naxi Manuscripts, edited by Agnieszka Helman-Ważny and Charles Ramble, 269-348. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2023.

    Poupard, Duncan. A pictorial Naxi origin myth from Southwest China: an annotated translation. Leiden: Leiden University Press, 2023.

Exhibit category: