Approach to the Treasure of Heritage of Texts in Buong Leaves (Agal Bac) of the Cham People from Ethnological Perspective

Abstract

The writing initiatively makes introduction of the treasure of heritage of texts in buong leaves of Cham people. It aims to contribute more materials for ethnologists in particular and inter-disciplinary scientists in general to approach and study this treasure heritage of texts in buong leaves as well as to decode a number of issues of Cham culture in the background of present international research. The research finding shows that the agal bac texts of Cham people carry a lot of rich contents, which will be able to help the scientists decode a number of dim parts of Cham culture, specifically perpetual calendar arts, astronomy, philosophy of yin and yang, beliefs, religion, rituals and festivals. In addition, the contents of agal bac texts also indicate the relation between Cham (Champa) culture and cultures of India, Vietnam, and China.