Blacksmithing in Nyaung Shwe
#getgoing2025
Pan Pe Kyaw thar(ပန်းပဲကျော်သား) Pan Pe Kway (ပန်းပဲကြွေ) [Mr. Kyaw's son, the blacksmith] represents the third generation of blacksmiths in his family.
He inherited the blacksmithing trade from his parents and is very proud and appreciative of his skills. His workshop, located in Nyaung Shwe, is often visited and documented by foreigners. He has five children and has passed on the blacksmithing skills to two of his sons.
Blacksmithing (Pan Pe Pannya - ပန်းပဲပညာ), one of the ten traditional Myanmar arts and crafts (Pan Sel Myo - ပန်းဆယ်မျိုး), involves heating iron and other metals until they are red-hot and malleable, then shaping and hammering them into desired forms.
Blacksmithing has played an important role throughout Myanmar's history. It is known to have flourished since the Tagaung era. It was the craft of producing swords, spears, and other weapons for Myanmar kings, generals, and soldiers.
Today, blacksmiths produce various items, including scissors, shovels, hammers, tongs, pickaxes, household knives, farming knives, axes, construction tools, and agricultural tools like hoes, pointed hoes, and flat hoes. They also produce various types and sizes of knives and axes ordered by shops and create custom-made tools for various industries. It is an essential traditional craft.
They collect scrap metal from old goods shops, weigh it, and then recycle it into high-quality, useful handcrafted items. It's a form of recycling.
They also constantly repair and sell various metal tools for seasonal work.
When visitors come to Inle, they often buy a good Shan knife as a souvenir.
The text expresses hope that these local traditional crafts will be developed and promoted in line with modern times, so that local craftspeople and producers can be supported and future generations can inherit these valuable Myanmar handicrafts with pride.
The post proudly presents photographic documentation of this tradition.
Hashtags: #NyaungshweNotes #nyaungshwenote