Can tourist save the handicrafts of Bagan?Slug: Myanmar handicraft Reporter: ZawHtetSlug: Myanmar Handicraft

INTRO

Handcraft businesses in the ancient city of Bagan are facing a bit of a crisis.

The rising costs of raw materials in Myanmar and shortage of skilled workers mean many lacquerware shops in the city have had to close.

But a recent surge in tourists coming to see the famous Bagan temples might be able to save many businesses from going under.

ZawHtet from DVB reports from Bagan…

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SFX Man making handicrafts

The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Bagan is the seat of Burma’s famed lacquerware industry.

Around the temples are brightly coloured stalls selling these handicrafts to tourists.

But the price of raw materials has soured and skilled labour in the city is hard to come by.

SFX Man making handicrafts

In the past there were lots of lacquerware businesses.

But recently many have had to close – now there are only 10 self-run businesses in the city.

Ohn Mar’s business has faced problems but she’s managing to keep afloat.

Ohn Mar 1 (Female, Burmese) “In the lacquerware business, the main raw material is natural plant dye. Now, plant dye is not like before, it’s very scarce.

The plant dye – or lacquer - comes from Shan state.

Because of deforestation and a shortage of labour, the price has risen.

Also the tourism industry in Bagan has boomed and more and more hotels are being built.

Ohn Mar says young people are choosing to go into hospitality, which pays more, rather than take up the craftsman trade.

Ohn Mar 2 (Female, Burmese) “Some from lacquer ware business moved to hotel business, some became car drivers, or shopkeepers. Staff moved to other businesses close by. They can earn more in

hotel or shop keeping business.”

Lacquer designer and business owner, U Mya says, it takes years to perfect the skills of being a craftsman.

And patience too - it can take months to make a single piece.

U Mya, clip 1 (Male, Burmese) “To become a designer for lacquerware, one needs to train for about three years. This is not at an expert level but the basic level. That is why the lacquer business is seeing a shortage of workers. For us, this is a traditional business and we love our tradition.”

SFX In shop buying things

But the influx of tourists may also be able to help –

Last year two hundred thousand foreigners visited the city and its famous temples.

And the tourists are bringing their money and love of souvenirs with them.

AungLwin, a craftsman at Tun Lacquerware Enterprise, explains.

AungLwin, clip 1 (Male, Burmese): “Now business is good as Bagan is seeing more visitors and I am delighted. Seeing something that I created being valued by the tourists makes me happy, as I always try to be different from other makers.”

And thanks to the country opening up.... Ohn Mar can accept credit cards for the first time.

Ohn Mar clip 3( Female, Burmese): “In the past, they’d come with the cards and we didn’t understand how they work. As Burmese banks are now connected to international networks, allowing payment with credit cards such as Master and Visa cards, our sales are getting better this year.”

If the number of tourists keeps rising, it may be enough to sustain the old traditional lacquer businesses.

For Asia Calling this report was produced by ZawHtet from DVB