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GOLDEN ARTS
Chiefly inspired by ancient
Indian tradition, Myanmar arts has evolved to its
present delightful diversity and artistically
absorbing forms. Periods reaching amazing creative
heights and productivity include the Pagan empire
with over 2,000 magnificent pagodas, the birth of
modern Myanmar dance during the Kingdom of Inwa, and
the Konbaung Dynasty with its new artistic creation
of architecture, sculpture and Zatgyi (dance drama).
Traditional Myanmar Theatre
Myanmar theatre, like its people,
is incredibly colourful, pleasantly humorous, very
lively and very likable - one of South East Asia’s
most captivating.
Myanmar folk love to watch a classical "from mid
night-to-sunrise" drama known as Zat. This "village
theatre" is well attended by all in the family,
young and old, with their mats, snacks and tea. This
all-night- long drama is usually held during the
pagoda festival.
Another intriguing drama is the Yamazat - a Myanmar
version of the Ramayana epic. Performed by well
trained actors, principal characters wearing masks
except Thida, include Prince Yama, Prince Lakhana
the younger brother, Princess Thida, Dasagiri, the
ten-headed orge and Hanuman, the monkey.
Marionette theatre which originated during the Pagan
period and developed in the
reign of King Singu in
the eighteen century is a highly skilled art form.
Some of the puppets have as many as sixty strings
and even movable eyebrows. While the puppet masters
manipulate the puppets (twenty eight characters in
all), male and female impersonators sing and recite
the parts.
Myanmar dance, existing from pre-Buddhist times is
of two types - soft, supple, slow and graceful type,
as well as, quick and vigorous type. In traditional
dances, the male and female dancers do not touch
each other when dancing together. This technically
outstanding performance coupled with the beautifully
adorned and colourful costumes, is a fascinating and
breathtaking experience to savour.
Traditional theater dramatics are backed by a
Myanmar ensemble of drum circle, gong circle, bamboo
clappers, wind instruments, flute and cymbals. In
addition, a large drum, hung also include from an
ornamental winged mythical creature called "Pyinsayupa"
and the melodious soothing l3- string harp. Unlike
Western music, Myanmar music is atonal, basing on
the pentonic scale similar to the Indonesian gamelan
and equally appealing.
Traditional Myanmar Crafts
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The smoothing harp:
Saung-Gauk, Myanmar harp is a 13-stringed instrument shaped like an elegant boat. The
harpist sits and holds the harp in his lap while playing classical songs. |
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Classic products of an
ancient heritage with an enduring charm, are
the arts and crafts of the Golden Land.
Among Myanmar’s many crafts are silk and
cotton weaving, lacquerware, gold and silver
work, wood, bone and marble carving,
tapestry and pottery - each a world of
knowledge and a learned art form.
Lacquerware is an ancient
craft, yet very much alive in the regions of
Bagan (Pagan) and Pyay. The tedious and
painstaking process involves coating, drying
and numerous re-coating of a framework of
woven bamboo over a period of months,
climaxing with the amazing delicate task of
etching designs by hand and then dyeing of
colours onto the lacquered article.
Tapestries made of
applique designs on velvet or cotton cloth
with glass beads and shining sequins
stitched on, fashioned into pretty items
such as jackets, hats or handbags are
popular souvenirs for travellers. Delightful
motifs include dancers, elephants, peacocks
and mythical animals of Myanmar culture.
Scenes from Jataka stories (stories about
Buddha’s previous existence) are depicted on
large wall hangings. |
Making Silverware |
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