This Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana referred to as “Yama Zatdaw” in Burma, is carved from a solid piece of teak wood, showing a group of figures depicted in Burmese Zat pwe theatre and Yoke Thay puppet shows. The “Ramayana” is one of two great Hindu epic tales, the other “Mahabharata”, and is a popular theme in Burma, depicted in many Burmese wood carvings, bone carvings and paintings.
This carving was one of six pieces which undoubtedly together would have given a clearer picture of its meaning. However, we feel that the scenes closely match the following tale from the Ramayana, bearing in mind that this piece is just one of six and is the Burmese version known as the “Yama Zatdaw”. This is the only one we acquired, we were told that they came from an old pagoda. The polychrome is worn through age and possible exposure to the elements, but one can still see how colourful it once was.
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In both Myanmar and Thailand, the Ramayana serves as a Jataka tale where the protagonist and heroine embody moral integrity as they combat the malevolent demons and the wickedness prevalent in the world, ultimately emerging victorious. This shared mythology between the two nations allows for a seamless adaptation of the play, where Myanmar dialogue and songs effortlessly replace the Thai elements.
The Ramayana story has been adapted and performed according to each of these individual cultures’ and national traditions in plays, puppet shows and during religious festivals. The Burmese version of the Ramayana usually includes Princess Minthamee and Prince Mintha, the ogres Taw Belu, the City Ogre and the mythological bird Garuda.
Other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia also have their unique versions of the “Ramayana” with the core of the story remaining the same. The Ramayana myth was introduced into Burma by Hindu traders and priests who migrated and travelled into and through Burma and Southeast Asia over 1500 years ago. According to some Burmese scholars in Burma, the Ramayana story predates Anawrahta and was likely adopted by the Mon and the Pyu who were Buddhists as well as Brahamanists and familiar with the story of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu as they were Vaisnavites.
The Forest Scene
The Aranyakanda, also known as The Forest, is the third book of the epic Ramayana tales. This book narrates the significant events that take place during Rama’s fourteen-year exile in the forest. Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, ventures into the wilderness inhabited by devout ascetics and fierce demons known as rakshasas. The ascetics seek Rama’s protection from the rakshasas, and he promises to safeguard them.
Early in the book, Sita is briefly abducted by a rakshasa named Viradha, foreshadowing her later abduction by Ravana, which becomes the central event of the book. While the trio resides peacefully in the enchanting forest, they encounter Shurpanakha, a rakshasa woman and Ravana’s sister. She attempts to seduce Rama and Lakshmana but fails, leading her to try to harm Sita. However, Lakshmana intervenes and injures Shurpanakha. She flees to her brother Khara, who retaliates by sending a punitive expedition against the princes.
Rama defeats these demons, prompting Khara himself to lead an army of fourteen thousand rakshasas. Nevertheless, Rama emerges victorious once again. News of these events reaches Ravana, the lord of the rakshasas and the brother of Khara and Shurpanakha. Determined to destroy Rama, Ravana enlists the help of Maricha, a surviving rakshasa from a previous battle. Together, they come to the forest, where Maricha assumes the form of a mesmerizing deer to captivate Sita’s attention. (On the bottom of this carving looking straight on is the figure of a human with a deer sitting on top of the head).
Rama, at Sita’s insistence, chases after the deer, disregarding Lakshmana’s strict orders to protect Sita. Taking advantage of Rama’s absence, Ravana appears and forcefully abducts Sita. (The bottom right-hand corner of the carving possibly depicts this scene where Ravana is forcefully kidnapping Sita and takes her on an aerial journey seen on the top with a wheel in front with a figure of Rama and Lakshmana standing on either side). During the abduction, Rama’s loyal friend, the vulture Jatayus, attempts to rescue Sita but is mortally wounded after a fierce battle. Sita is then taken to the fortress of Lanka, where she is held under tight security. Upon discovering Sita’s disappearance, Rama becomes distraught and wanders through the forest in a state of grief, desperately searching for her. Eventually, Rama receives guidance on his quest to find Sita.
The conclusion of the Aranyakanda is marked by the introduction of Sugriva, the monkey. (Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana show the Figure on the right-side mid-way up depicting the monkey).
