Burma

Ferrars, Max; Ferrars, Bertha

Book

Burma

Sampson Low, Marston and Company • London • Published In 1901 • Pages:

By: Ferrars, Max, Ferrars, Bertha.

Abstract
This is a well-known general description of Burma and the Burmese. The first chapter sketches the cultural history and setting of Burma and the next four deal with the life-cycle, ending with a valuable chapter on trades and professions; this last is one of the best sources on Burmese material culture including social and technical aspects. The subsequent chapters are somewhat superficial, although the paragraphs on the Chinese are more thorough and have data otherwise unavailable. The chapters on Burmese political organization and on religious, funereal and recreational culture are uneven and, although these matters are more adequately covered elsewhere in the AP04 Burma File, the data on royalty is useful. The source is chiefly remarkable for a wealth of photographs on all topics. These are unequalled in the literature. Useful appendices include those on a chronology of Burmese history, weights, measures and time, and on transliteration from the Burmese. The many transliterations in the text are supplemented by a map with place names given in transliteration rather than in anglicized form. The authors have travelled in Burma and have been associated with the Southeast Asian ethnological expert, R. Heine-Geldern, in their native Germany.

Chief executive

History

Sacred objects and places

Medium of exchange

Puberty and initiation

Internal trade

Occupational specialization

Techniques of socialization

Childhood activities

Prophets and ascetics

Organized ceremonial

Prayers and sacrifices