THE pilgrims are increasingly interested in observing the mural paintings of ancient pagodas and temples in Sagu Township, Magway Region, and the mural paints of the Amarapura era featuring palace women wearing Thanaka showcase part of the history of Myanma Thanaka, said a historian.
A total of 11 pagodas in Sagu Township depict ancient wall paintings, No (11) Yokesone Zedi in Kyaungywa ward showcases artworks of the Nyaung Yan era, while Shwe Bhone Thar pagoda in Ooyinzin village the Konbaung era, two Shwe Taung Oo pagodas in the entrance of Kwetae village Amarapura era, Shitmyathna pagoda in Kyan Monastery of Thamahti village Yadanabon era, and the ancient artworks at Shwe Zedi in Pinlethet village, other artworks in Ponnyashin pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) created one year after King Thibaw was exiled, colonial artworks at Yokesone Zedi behind Htaygyi pagoda, Chin Thaelay Saing pagoda in the west of Sayonelan and Thein Zedi in Waizayanta Monastery in Thamahti ward.
The mural paints of the Amarapura era at Sutaungpyae Yokesone Zedi located in the south of Htaygyi pagoda included the paintings in which palace women wearing Thanaka highlighted the history of Myanma Thanaka culture, and the historians also suggested that wearing of Myanma Thanaka can be seen in Bagan era in addition of Nyaung Yan era.
“Saku is an ancient cultural region. The ancient pagodas and temples are full of mural paints depicting stories of Buddha, 550 Jataka and other stories. We found the paintings on the walls of Su Taung Pyae pagoda that the palace women are wearing Thanaka. It is proof that Myanma Thanaka was used as a cosmetic in Pyu, Bagan, Nyaung Yan and Amarapura eras. The wall paintings of the Bagan era contain only a few colours. But, we see colourful paintings in Nyaung Yan and Amarapura eras. It is a matter of pride to see the practice of applying Thanaka by palace women over 400 years ago as a traditional heritage passed down since the reign of Myanmar’s ancient Kings,” said historian U Zaw Win.
Sagu Township with historic proofs of Myanma Thanaka boasts mural paintings ranging from AD 13, and 14 to AD 17-19. The pagodas and temples with mural paintings of the Pyu era need to be conserved. The pagodas, temples and stupas of Bagan, Konbaung and colonial eras in Sagu Township boast mural paintings, and the paintings of Nyaung Yan and Amarapura eras highlight the dignity of Myanma Thanaka. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
