10 June

THIRTY sets of rare attires worn by Shan chieftains over 100 years ago are on display at the National Museum in Yangon free of charge from 9 to 18 this month.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition sponsored by the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library (DANML) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Naing Thet Lwin said, “Costumes won by and items used by Shan chieftains of various regions throughout the past successive periods can be viewed by the public, especially the youth and middle-aged people at the exhibition. The civilization of a race can be studied through their costumes, style of dress, literature and culture. This kind of exhibition will enhance the spirit of an ethnic race to cherish its culture and traditions. Holding of this exhibition at a museum at a place where Shan people are the majority will attract more tourists.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Phyo Min Thein said, “The exhibition enhances the image of the Myanmar races.” He suggested the conservation and display of the cultures and traditions of other ethnic races.

As all the national races are living in amity in the Union, they all should join hands for its perpetuation, he said, and added that all the citizens of the country have the duty to preserve and protect the ethnic cultures and traditions. “At this exhibition, Shan traditions costumes preserved for over 100 years are put on display, and it is a noble tasks,” he said.

Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Kyi Min said, “The attires were sent to France for keeping them under advanced preservation techniques for today’s people to study them. The Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library has been checking and preserving the attires of Shan chieftains displayed at the Nyaungshwe culture museum since Shan State Government requested help from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture in 2016. So the ministry and the state government allotted the budget for the work.”

Director- General of DANML U Kyaw Oo Lwin explained the purpose of the exhibition and Director Daw Nang Laung Ngin the preservation work.

The deputy minister and officials presented certificates to those who rendered assistance in holding the exhibition.

Ambassadors for foreign missions in Myanmar, heads of department, technicians, relatives of the Shan chieftains and guests were present at the opening ceremony. Rare attires of Shan chieftains made of various types of fibers and decorated with patterns are on display at the exhibition.—MNA (Translated by TMT)