offthemap's video: Myanmar Craft

The Asian country of Myanmar is known around the world for their traditional ways of life. Traditions are carried out in their culture from dress, to food, to living quarters, and mainly, their craft. Similarly to other Asian cultures, the craftspeople of Myanmar are heavily influenced by their religion. Theravada Buddhism is the most commonly practiced religion in the country, and acts as focal aspects of art in sculptures, paintings, metalwork, woodwork, and many other art forms. Paintings are strongly influenced by their neighbours; Indian techniques appear in characteristic and colour, using blue to symbolize their bright lifestyle. Traditional metals like gold and silver were originally used as a sign of status. The richest and most important families used gold and silverware at their table, but now, these metals, including copper, are used to create relics. Metalwork is Myanmar's oldest crafting tradition, and can be seen in pieces around the country. Distinctive patterns are seen on these pieces, intricate patterns known only in Myanmar that range from their metalwork to their textiles. The areas of Mandalay and Amarapura are major centres for silk and cotton sarong production. Like metalwork, intricate patterns typical to Myanmar culture can be found on these textiles created by craftspeople using traditional tools.