April 7,2022

ALTHOUGH there were no industries during the reign of the ancient Myanmar kings, domestic handicrafts flourished throughout the country. Weaving looms were found in every house, and every village had basketry, bamboo handicrafts, pottery, the craft of goldsmithing, silversmithing and blacksmithing. In the cities, handicrafts have been replaced by machinery, and some handicrafts have disappeared, but they are still widely practised in rural areas.

 In addition to lacquerware- making, jaggery and salt making, fish paste, dried fish and fish sauce making, the weaving of various garments gradually expanded. However, domestic handicrafts declined during British rule in Myanmar. However, since independence, the government and the people have worked together to develop domestic crafts. 

As Myanmar relies on agriculture, farmers’ handicrafts provide additional income for agriculture, and with 75 per cent of Myanmar’s population living in rural areas, only domestic handicrafts improve their livelihoods. As these handicrafts do not require a lot of capital, unlike large factories, the people will be comfortable only if these small businesses flourish in a country with a shortage of capital. People nowadays are engaged in handicrafts and livestock farming, brick business, pottery, charcoal business, salt business, umbrella business, leather business, cane business, soap business, and edible oil business. 

Some are being operated using modern equipment. However, weaving, making baskets, production of various mats and pottery are still seen as traditional Myanmar handicrafts in rural areas. — Zeya Htet (Minbu)/ GNLM