I just acquired a handful of modern notes from Myanmar. (There is an ongoing controversy about this name change - it is not accepted by many Burmese, so I use the names interchangeably.) These notes may be worthless compared to "big" world currencies, but they do offer the student of international history an opportunity to learn something about Burmese culture. The Saung-gauk, an arched, horizontal harp, is the national musical instrument of Myanmar. Its history can be traced to approximately 500 AD, when it was introduced to the Bagan civilization from India. The playing of the Saung was traditionally reserved for the royal court, but it has recently become popular with the general population. Source: National Music Museum The small 50 Pyas notes issued in 1994 feature the Saung on the obverse. This image is not washed-out or altered in any way. The notes are printed in very light, pastel colors. Full Moon Night, by U Myint Maung, performed by Nei Wah...
General Aung San could perhaps be considered the George Washington of the Burmese people. He was the most influential leader in Burma's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, although he was assassinated six months before his efforts came to fruition. He is widely admired by the people of Myanmar, and his portrait is featured on several banknote and coin types. The wood carvings, or Panpu, on the reverse of this note are characteristically found on ancient buildings constructed during the Bagan period, and extending into medieval times. This frenzied building activity led to the construction of 4000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries in the Bagan plains alone! Remains of more than half of these structures still survive today. Temples in Bagan. Source: Wikipedia
The Chinthe is an ancient Burmese leogryph, sometimes referred to as the Burmese sphinx. It is frequently found in pairs, guarding temples and other structures, and figures prominently on the banknotes and coinage. Chinthe guarding Yangon City Hall. Source: Wikipedia The reverse of this note commemorates the sport of canoe racing, popularized by the British. These notes were changed in 1996 and reduced to the same size as the previous 50 pyas notes. Perhaps this design referenced Myanmar's participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics?
Chinlone is the traditional sport of Burma. A team of six players passes a ball around with their feet, knees, and heads. A soloist enters the center of the circle and is supported by the other players, who pass the ball back to him/her with one kick. As soon as the ball hits the ground, play is dead, but simply resumes. There are no opposing teams, and no winners or losers. The point of the game is to play it with virtuosity and grace. It's an ancient sport that combines elements of dance and martial arts. As of 8/27/14, 5 kyats = less than 1 US cent. Youtube of Chinlone. In particular, watch the graceful, slow-motion sequence at the end...
Here is a royal barge on a 10 kyats note... As of 8/27/14, 10 kyats = 1 US cent. If you were a Burmese king, you would need to get around in style. 18th-century observers write that sometimes a royal procession would include up to 200 boats in a maritime spectacle that accompanied the royal barge. The Karaweik "barge" is actually a palace, constructed of concrete, modeled after ancient vessels. Karaweik barge on the eastern shores of Kandawagyi Lake.
John, I read your posts in the Ancients forum and can't believe you also have time for modern banknotes. Great post, hats off.
Later on when Burma became Myanmar the generals in charge of the Junta there had Aung San removed from the banknotes - no doubt due to the fact that his daughter Aung San Lee was and still is very influential in democratic movements there.
