Burma / Myanmar: A Karen [Kayin] family in ethnic dress. The Shan text identifies them as 'Yang Hsek', as does the the Burmese. Yang is a common term for Karen. The man carries a hoe; the woman smokes a pipe and carries a fruit basket.

A hand-drawn, hand-coloured watercolour from the late 19th century by an unknown Burmese artist.

The name of the ethnic group featured appears near the top of the picture in Shan script (left), Burmese script (Centre) and Khun script (right). Khun script was formerly used in Kengtung / Kyaingtong in eastern Shan State and in Lan Na or Lanna, northern Thailand.

The Karen are an ethnic minority that is indigenous to Burma, and also has a small population in Thailand, including many who are refugees from Myanmar. A Sino-Mongolian group, the Karen have an estimated population today of some 5 million.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

Burmese Peoples,