Myanmar Bronzes and the Dian Cultures of Yunnan

Abstract

Bronze artefacts from the Samon valley (circa 19-22º N, 95-97ºE) in central Myanmar are strikingly similar to pieces from Lijiashan, 80 km south of Kunming, Yunnan. The affinities to Lijiashan are greater than those to the larger and more renowned cemetery of Shizhaishan. The Samon dates overlap with the earlier Dian cemeteries. Most of the Samon finds are not found outside Myanmar, such as small wire packets, floral ornaments and 'mother-goddess' figures. The Samon and Upper Myanmar may be the areas referred to in Chinese texts as beyond the ‘barbarian’ regions that came under Han control in the early centuries CE. And as seen in Yunnan at this time, the Samon may have experienced political change reflecting Han expansion and fluctuating alliances between Myanmar, Yunnan and South Asia.