Backlit page of a Qur’an on paper from Harar, Ethiopia. Toronto, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, MSS 05330.

Conservators Vania Assis and Mary Hamilton French conserve a birch bark scroll in the Islamabad Museum, Islamabad, Pakistan. Photo: Mark Allon.

Bidur Bhattarai (Center, in blue) gathered with young visitors at the Āśā Saphūkuthi, Kathmandu.

Visitors view manuscripts at the Ethiopic Book Heritage Event.

On the right: these belts have a purple base colour which is said to reflect the hostilities at the time, reflecting war and violence. On the left: these belts have a white base, which is said to reflect peace and good will.