Myanmar Handicrafts

Travelling throughout Myanmar one often sees artisans carefully crafting their pieces. In Mandalay, the centre of Bamar arts and crafts there is to be seen many of the ancient crafts of Myanmar. Shwe Chi Doe tapestries are made here with their colourful threads, sequins and beads - these are also known as kalagas which literally means "curtains". Shwe Chi Doe is a name for the style of the tapestry and so the name is also used for the marionettes which are made with similar decoration; there are many commercial marionettes made in Mandalay today and it is difficult to find a workshop which produces the traditional Dancing Puppet which is about 24 inches high and very colourful so that the audience are able to see the puppets from a distance. The wood used is a light wood and not teak which unfortunately you do find in the tourist shops - teakwood is supposed to add glamour to the puppet but just imagine a poor puppeteer having to work with something so heavy - especially when Zawgyi is performing!!

Mandalay artisans also produce wonderful wood and marble carvings and bronze castings. Some of the marble Buddha images are very tall indeed!

In Sagaing beautiful silk longyis (pronounced "lonjees") are made on the loom using up to one hundred shuttles! More information about the manufacture of these "Lun Yakyaw Cheik" - sometimes called "Lun Taya Acheik" - can be found in our Members Area: click on the link at the left to join our mailing list which will give you access to the Members Area.

Near to Mandalay is Amarapura where traditional cotton garments are produced.

In Pathein one finds the traditional Myanmar Parasol ("Pathein Hti"): brightly coloured parasols with designs of flowers or scenes painted with either oil or water colours. Some of the handles are made from carved silver.

Silverware is another famous Myanmar handicraft and many fine examples of Shan silverware may be found in the Inle Lake area. The silverware industry of Myanmar is centuries old and in fact dates back to the Pyu period of the 2nd century. The traditional centre of Bamar silverware crafts is Ywahtaung Village in Sagaing across the Ayeyawady River from Mandalay. Sterling Silver is used in the manufacture which comprises 92.5% Silver and 7.5% copper and this alloy is the ideal for silverware crafting.

Intricate lacquerware is produced mainly in Bagan and it takes up to 6 months to make one piece! Don't be fooled by cheaper pieces - one knock and the lacquer is chipped! Of course, should you visit Myanmar these cheaper pieces are OK as souvenirs to remind you of your holiday.

There are many other cottage industry crafts made in Myanmar by fine craftspeople especially items relating to Buddhism, which is the religion of about 90 percent of the population.