Myanmar Showcases Thanakha in a Bid for UNESCO Heritage Recognition

In the heart of Yangon, a vibrant event celebrated the use of thanakha, a yellowish-white paste made from ground tree bark that has been a staple in Myanmar’s daily life for over a thousand years. Traditionally applied by women, children, and even men to various parts of the face and body, thanakha is more than just a cosmetic—it represents a deep cultural heritage that links present-day practices with ancient traditions depicted in 11th century temple murals at Bagan.

The celebration brought together members of 36 diverse social organizations, spanning ages from 5 to 80, in a park where they performed traditional songs and dances. Organizers intended the gathering to shine a light on the significance of thanakha within Myanmar society and to help propel its nomination process for recognition by UNESCO’s cultural agency, an initiative that had previously been set back by an incomplete application in 2020.

Beyond the performances, the event also featured stalls selling cosmetics and chopped wood from thanakha trees, emphasizing its economic and cultural importance. The initiative underscores a broader effort by Myanmar’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and cultural ambassadors, such as the chairperson of the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Trust, to secure international acknowledgment for thanakha, following the recent UNESCO listing of the traditional Thingyan water festival.