Product Description

Antique Burmese Chart

Material: Paper
Style: Burma
Size:  Length 59 cm, Width 54 cm
Order Number: MHSTABC1

Such charts are concerned with the magical religious systems of the Tai people of the Shan States of Burma and Lan Na (northern Thailand) and give information about Tai cosmology and cosmic power in drawings, diagrams and text. There are illustrations of spirits, spells in secret codes and syllables.  Similar designs are found on clothes and tattoos. Some of the meanings are no longer known. Temple murals inspire some of the drawings.

The  Shan and  Lan Na people are Theravada Buddhists and include aspects of Hinduism and spirit religion. People visit experts called sala and some Buddhist monks, who can interpret them and perform rituals. They need to know the birth date of the client. There is faith in the power of nature. China influenced the Tai astrological system, especially the 12 year animal cycle of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Cockerel, Dog and Pig. Positive power is strongest at full moon. The moon is portrayed as a hare.

They deal with spells, practices and incantations to create harmony in personal relations, protection and good luck. There are rudimentary drawings of magical animals, whose bodies are drawn with letters and numbers, Hindu gods, men and women. There are magic letters and numbers. Many numbers have meanings and supernatural powers, such as 3, 4, 8, 9, 38, 40, 56, 99 and 108.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).