Myanmar Culture
Myanmar Silk Industry of Inle
Inle Lake, the largest and most famous natural
inland lake in Myanmar, lies like a beautiful,
glistening jewel encircled by the blue mountain
ranges of the Shan Plateau. Inle Lake, which is
located in the southeast of the Shan State at an
elevation of 2900 feet above sea level, is home to
the Innthas meaning literally the natives of Inle
Lake.
The Inthas, who mostly live on the waters of the
lake with houses built on stilts from the day they
are born, are naturally skilled boatmen and
boatwomen, but with one outstanding difference. They
row and steer their skiffs and boats not with the
hands but with one leg wrapped around long oars.
This is their traditional method of propelling their
boats, which have been handed down through the
generations. The Inthas who are simple, honest and
friendly folks, are a strong, rugged and diligent
race gifted with a spirit of creativity.
They are thus especially talented in many arts
and crafts and the reason why the products of their
weaving industry, goldsmith, silversmith and
blacksmith cottage industries have earned renown
both at home and abroad.
The silks that the Inle weaving industry produce
are outstanding for their quality in both material,
and colours and designs.
It is most fascinating to watch the entire
process of Inle silk production in the weaving
sheds, from the primary stage of bleaching the silk
threads through dyeing them, spinning the threads,
affixing them to the loom and to the final stage of
weaving the finished product.
The skill and deftness as well as patience of the
young Inle girls who weave and fashion the gorgeous
silk fabric from a multitude of tiny thin threads is
truly marvelous. Because of the beautiful designs
take shape only by aligning each silken thread with
great precision, it takes about three days to weave
the required length for one longyi, that is, the
traditional straight skirt for the both masculine
feminine wear.
The mens wear is usually of checkered design.
The ladies wear comes in a host of shimmering
colours with gorgeous floral designs. Nowadays it is
possible to buy a stole of the same pattern and
colour for formal wear. Some Inle silks also have
gold or silver thread woven into the silk fabric.
The charm and beauty of the finished product
exemplifies the innovative spirit of the people of
Inle.
The charm and beauty of the finished product
exemplifies the innovative spirit of the people of
Inle. Thats why, if one should try on the Inle silk
with its dazzling colours and attractive designs for
the first time, them maybe
One will hear the rhythmic and harmonious
clacking of the looms that will bring to mind the
unforgettable scenic beauty of the Inle region.
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