Bindings, Bags and Boxes: Sewn and Unsewn Manuscript Formats in the Islamic World

This paper offers an overview of the most important varieties of the different techniques used in the Islamic world to keep things together . The codicology of manuscripts in Arabic script has been studied in depth in recent years,1 and the archetypal book structure has been described in detail.2 Certain variants of the predominant manuscript structure, however, are less well known. These specific types are susceptible to loss when they are not sufficiently understood or recognised. This paper, therefore, focuses on structures and practices that are less common, such as the cohesive structure that does not involve sewing which might have had only a temporary function. The paper also addresses repair techniques and codicological characteristics that are not yet explained fully. In addition, it includes manuscript enclosures: slipcases, satchels, bags and other containers, that were used to keep texts together. These appurtenant items are often overlooked in book-historical studies, and indeed, in library collections and catalogues. However, to understand the codicological unit , these objects deserve to be included.