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Offering vessel and elephant statue.

Silver Betel Nut Set - The many boxes held the many ingredients combined with betelnut.

Bagan Standing Buddha

Antique Lacquer Betel Nut Box [Betelnut is a mild stimulant like coffee] | Buddha with downcast eyes- made of Teak

Mandalay style reclining Buddha carved from wood with glass inlay. Pictured also are Burmese temple doors.

Naga Gong Holder

Burmese Tapestry

HISTORY OF BURMA -

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is the largest country in SE Asia. Its capital is Yangon (formerly Rangoon). The country was always named Myanmar, but the local people referred to their land as Bamar, which slowly turned to Burma.

Burma had a long history of independence, before the British troops traveled up the Irrawaddy River and overtook the city of Rangoon during the third Anglo-Burmese war. After this invasion took place, the last of Burma was claimed as an English colony. Burma was under British rule for over fifty years. It then had a brief period of being ruled by Japan and finally regained its independence in 1947. The Burmese government officially changed the countrys' name from Burma back to Myanmar in 1989.

TATTOOING IN BURMA -

It is customary for the Burmese to be tattooed from waist to knee as a sign of courage and strength. The tattooing process involves being tapped repeatedly with a heavy bronze tool dipped in ink. The subject matter often being, animals, zodiac imagery, or intricate geometric designs. Natural red vermillion ink is used occassionally to signify luck and bravery. Another body modification practice of the Shan tribe and other Burmese, is the insertion of silver and gold discs under the skin as a charm against bullets and cuts. This practice is attributed to a Burmese King who allegedly tried to disguise his leprosy in this manner.

BUDDHISM AND BURMA

Burma has a wealth of art and culture influenced by Buddhism. Buddhism was believed to arrive in Burma around the 2nd century AD when the Indian Emperor Asoka from India sent out monks to spread the Buddhas' teachings to neighboring countries. Burma is called the "golden land" and it is believed to be the only county to maintain the true teachings of the Buddha in its entirety for over 2000 years. Buddhist art in Burma is some of the most valued in the world.

Each region of Burma had its particular style of Buddha image and religious art work. The 17th century Buddha of Bagan (formerly Pagan) was often represented as the standing crowned Buddha. Theravada Buddhists believe this image derives from the story of when the Buddha transformed himself into "rajadhiraja" or "king of kings" to humble the King Jambupati. This Bagan Buddha holds his hand downward with the palm extending outward in Varada mudra [the gesture of the bestowing of gifts].The Mons, scattered over the southern region of Burma, have a very distinct image of the Buddha with a plump face with downcast eyelids in the shape of a lotus petal.

The “Mandalay Buddha” is the image that represents what most people think is a "Burmese Buddha". This reclining Buddha is adorned in heavily folded robes accented with mirrors and colored glass. It is carved from wood and covered in lacquer. The broad band around the head, the tight curly hair, and the slightly upturned smile are also characteristics of the well known "Mandalay Buddha".

This Shan style Buddha sits in the vajrasana posture or the "seat of stability" which the Buddha assumed in his final meditation before he became enlightened. His hands are in a symbolic gesture called the Bhumisparsa mudra. Bhumi means "earth". His hand touches the ground to ask the earth to witness his enlightenment. The Shan style Buddha's are often seen sitting upon fully bloomed lotus flowers. The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and mental purity. The flower starts its life in the mud and grows up through the murky waters until it reaches light and purity. It is only when it is above water that the lotus representss possible enlightenment (closed lotus) or full enlightenment (open lotus).

Gongs have been used since the bronze age for cerimonial purposes, prayer, meditation and ritual. In Burma the gong holders were often more elaborate than the gongs. This gong holder is created in the shape of a Pyinsayupa, [a mythical creature comprised of five different animals]. They were typically finished in gold leaf and color painted glass spangles and adorned with Pyinsayapa or Naga heads [mythological water snakes].

Art from Each ruling dynasty brought its unique crafts and artifacts to the country, such as the bronze casting from the Konbaung Dynasty. It is often difficult to detect if art or objects are from Burma or Northern Thailand as the hill tribes moved freely and easily back and forth in the mountains of the border areas.