This pioneering substantive work traces the history and evolution of the textiles of Myanmar (Burma) made and used by the Burman (Bama) ethnic majority who comprise approximately seventy percent of the population. Textiles for royalty, the religion, and commoners—along with fibers, dyes, and weaving techniques, have all been described in layman language. The importance of textiles in the life cycle, literature, and politics has also been included along with changes and innovation brought about through trade and conflict with neighboring states, British colonization, post-war isolation, and more recent “open door” policies. In addition to visiting the major textile centers, the author has ventured into the more remote areas of the Burman heartland to garner information on lesser known textiles from the Yaw, Shwebo, Kyaukse, and Pyay (Prome) districts. She has also traveled to Mon, Rakhine and Shan States to include textiles made by minorities for the Burman market. 

The text is profusely illustrated with on-site and archival photographs of weavers and heirloom textiles as well as with numerous diagrams and sketches. This publication will be an important reference not only for textile scholars and art historians, but also for those with an interest in Burman culture.