Burma / Myanmar: A Wa couple in ethnic dress. The Shan text identifies them as 'Lawa', as does the Burmese. The man carries a crossbow and bag; the woman 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 Wa are an ethnic minority that is indigenous to northern Shan State in Myanmar. Many of the 500,000 Wa are animists, but a small proportion follows a derivative of either Buddhism or Christianity. The Wa were once known as the ‘Wild Wa’ for their ritualistic practice of headhunting.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

Burmese Peoples,