Comparative Assessment of Collection
The Burmese collection at the RAMM offers a broad insight into many elements of
Burmese society such as attire, religion and entertainment. The objects range from
tribal ornaments made out of bamboo to the use of more refined mediums such as
sculpture. The RAMM collection covers a broad spectrum, and this research has
endeavoured to provide a depth of interpretation. Research into Burmese collections
has been somewhat limited due to political constraints. With exception to the more
established mediums of art such as sculpture, much of the research carried out on the
ethnographic objects in this report has involved working with academics who are at
the forefront of their fields. This in turn means that the research and information
obtained is up-to-date. The purpose of this report has been to research the objects and
to highlight significance in relation to other Burmese collections. Throughout the
report cross-referencing to other examples of objects or significant collections has
been noted. Conclusions of significance have also been documented in most chapters
throughout the report. To summarise the collection the various elements have to be
discussed individually on their own merits.
Textiles
The textiles have proved to be an exciting area of research. Burmese textiles is one of
the advancing areas in Burmese ethnography, and much of the research into this
collection has been aided by the James Henry Green Centre, Brighton, the Victoria
and Albert Museum London, Dr. Sandra Dudley of Leicester University.
The two Kachin (Maru) Jackets (106.2000.8 / 106.2000.9) are a particular asset to the
collection. They are rare examples, and are highly significant in terms of Burmese
textile research. The only other collection to have two jackets is the V & A. The Lisu
wedding outfit (106.2000.7 / 106.2000.5 / 106.2000.6 / 106.2000.4.1 / 106.2000.2) is
an excellent example of an original outfit. As yet, the only other complete outfit in
England is a modern version that was commissioned by the James Henry Green
Centre, Brighton in 2001. Academically, it has been extremely useful to compare the
RAMM’s outfit with the modern version at Brighton. Further research into the two
other jackets (106.2000.10 / 106.2000.11) would strengthen the textile collection
further.
The shoulder bags add breadth to the textile collection however they are common in
other collections.
The RAMM textile collection is one of the strengths of the Burmese material. The
research has highlighted what the RAMM has to offer to other collections and the
James Henry Green Centre, Brighton are keen to borrow our textiles whilst the
RAMM is closed. On-going research into the Burmese textiles would assist in
providing further interpretation. Informing other academic institutions of the potential
of the RAMM textile collection will assist in acknowledging and placing the RAMM
amongst significant Asian textile collections.
Sculpture
The sculpture collection at the RAMM uses a wide spectrum of mediums from
Bronze, and Alabaster to wood and lacquer. One of the strengths of the collection is
that many of the pieces have donor and provenance information. As proposed by John
Guy this makes the collection ‘significant of its time’ (Pers Comm. 2005).
Lacquer ware
The lacquer collection at the RAMM is small in size but significant in its contribution
to the collection as a whole. In relation to other collections, such as the British
Museum the collection would be considered relatively insignificant. However, if
utilised to its full potential the collection provides a good insight into the diverse
techniques, designs and symbolism used in lacquer on lacquer ware within Burma.
Organic Ceremonial Ornaments
Research into this collection has revealed that the dance hats are unique. Working
with Jamie Saul has highlighted the potential of this collection. Much of the research
into the NW tribal areas focuses on comparisons with the Nagas of Nagaland, of
which there are established collections at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, and
Aberdeen University. The reason why the RAMM collection is unique is because
much of it focuses on the Nagas of Burma, into which little research has been
conducted. The association with Porter makes the collection more significant in that
with on-going research it will be possible to interpret this element of the collection
more precisely. Porter also has connections with the Southwest, which adds a
significant dimension.
These hats are an important asset to the collection and are highly significant in that
there is as yet no other known Burmese Naga material in the U.K.
Palm, Bamboo and Rattan
In relation to other collections the Palm, Bamboo and Rattan material is not of great
significance. In relation to the RAMM Burmese collection however the material is
significant in that it has the potential to broaden the depth of understanding Burma as
a whole. Many of the objects are utilitarian, a side of life that is often neglected in the
larger institutions.
The hats are an interesting and unique collection. Little research has been conducted
in this area however this does not mean that the collection will not be significant in
the future.
Footwear
Research into this collection has revealed that most of the pieces were donated by
Waterfield. This is significant in that it has the potential to provide one man’s insight
into Burma’s colonial past. The collection is also significant in that shoes are often
overlooked, but can provide a valuable insight into the fashions of the period, and
social status. Little has been written about footwear in any collections, yet that does
not mean that the collection will not be significant in the future.
Pegu Tiles
The Pegu Tiles are a valuable asset to the RAMM Burmese collection. They are
significant with regard to other collections and certainly comparable to those at the
British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Museum fűr Indische
Kunst, Berlin. They were donated by Porter and so donor information is also
available. This area of the collection should be made aware to other academic
institutions.
Musical Instruments
The Burmese orchestra donated to the museum by the Lwin family is a unique asset.
There are larger orchestras in other collections such as the Laura Boulton Collection,
Indiana, U.S.A, however the RAMM orchestra is significant in that it is a large
collection for the U.K., and has actually existed as a working collection. It has a donor
history and therefore has the ability to bring alive the essence of Burmese music.
Although some of the RAMM collection is already on the Museum Online Learning
Initiative website, more in depth research has been undertaken in this report which
can only benefit the collection and its interpretation.
Weapons
The Burmese weapon collection is broad in depth and diversity. Four of the objects
are from the Porter collection and with further research into Porter himself, a more
solid interpretation of the objects can be obtained. It is possible that some of the
weapons are Burmese Naga. Jamie Saul will be able to provide more solid data
regarding these objects once his research in Burma is completed in March 2006. The
significance of the collection will be firmly established with on-going research in the
future.