Myanmar’s Ancient Thanaka Tradition Evidenced in Historic Murals

Bagan, The Gulf Observer: Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage remains well-preserved, with historical evidence confirming the use of Thanaka dating back to the Bagan and Inwa periods. Recent findings by the Conservation Unit under the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch) have provided significant insights into the long-standing tradition of Thanaka application.

Mural paintings depicting Thanaka usage have been discovered at the Apelyadana Temple in Bagan, built in the 11th century AD, and at the Culamani Stupa, which dates back to the 15th century AD. These findings reinforce the cultural significance of Thanaka as a deeply rooted tradition in Myanmar’s history.

“The murals in the Apelyadana Temple from the Bagan period and the Culamani Stupa from the Inwa period provide clear evidence that Myanmar Thanaka was used with great reverence by ancient monarchs. While many are familiar with the depictions at Culamani Stupa, fewer people are aware of the ones at Apelyadana Temple. These are invaluable historical and cultural artifacts. Our department continues to conserve and maintain ancient temples, stupas, and associated heritage in the Bagan region every year,” stated U Kyi Lin, Assistant Director of the Conservation Unit under the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch).

The Department of Archaeology and National Museum remains committed to preserving and restoring Myanmar’s historical and cultural heritage in the Bagan region. Efforts are ongoing to safeguard ancient murals in temples, stupas, and caves, allowing historians, students, tourists, and local pilgrims to study and appreciate these historical treasures.

The Thanaka-painted murals at Apelyadana Temple from the Bagan period have now been officially documented. Furthermore, during a UNDP project between 1991 and 1992, the murals inside Culamani Stupa were cleaned and restored, revealing significant depictions of Thanaka application.

The Bagan archaeological zone, home to 3,822 temples, stupas, and pagodas from the Bagan kings’ reign, along with an additional 15 temples and stupas in the Tantkyi hill area, houses a total of 3,837 structures. The murals in Apelyadana Temple and Culamani Stupa serve as strong historical evidence that Myanmar Thanaka has been an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage since ancient times.