Burma to Myanmar

Abstract

• The accompanying catalogue to the British Museum exhibition Burma to Myanmar. This beautiful book explores the histories and cultures of Myanmar – also known as Burma – promoting readers to consider pre-existing notions of this complex country. Known internationally for its long-running civil wars and pervasive poverty, it is a nation of rich natural resources – from teak and gold to jade and oil. Its geographical location has enabled it to participate in global and regional trade networks extending from India and China to Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Focusing on cross-cultural interactions and their impact on art and culture, Burma to Myanmar examines early connections with India before looking at regional kingdoms and empires that arose between the 11th and 18th centuries. During the period of British colonial rule (1826–1948), there were radical cultural, religious, social, political and artistic changes, in many instances setting the stage for the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. Following the destruction of the Second World War and a brief democratic period from 1948 to 1962, the military stepped in, isolating the country and leading to the situation of today. This book provides a compelling history of Myanmar through an enormous variety of objects stretching from the 500s CE to the present. They range from ceramic tablets to royal costumes, stunning textiles and impressive maps, as well as modern currency and contemporary painting.