A significant archaeological find has emerged in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Myanmar. According to U Win Maung, a prominent Myanmar scholar, a bronze Buddha statue discovered at the Yadana Htut Khaung Pagoda in Sagaing is of Thai (Ayutthaya) style — shedding new light on centuries-old cultural connections between Myanmar and Thailand.
Historical Context
Stone inscriptions record that the Yadana Htut Khaung Pagoda was built in 1342 AD by Princess Soe Min, daughter of King Athin Khaya Saw Yun. The discovered Buddha statue, however, was not located inside the original relic chamber, suggesting it was enshrined during later renovations rather than at the time of the pagoda’s construction.
Artistic Features of the Statue
- Gesture: Bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), with feet placed on the pedestal.
- Hair: Coiled style.
- Robe: Draped over one shoulder, leaving the right chest exposed.
A Thai archaeologist who examined the statue estimated that its Lanna–Sukhothai stylistic influence places it in the late 15th to early 16th century.
Cultural Connections
It is believed that people from Chiang Mai and Lanna may have brought the statue to Sagaing during the reign of King Bayinnaung, reflecting patterns of migration, trade, settlement, and religious exchange in the region. The discovery of a Lanna-style Buddha in Myanmar offers important evidence of historic cross-cultural interactions in mainland Southeast Asia.
A Silver Lining in the Aftermath of Disaster
Although the earthquake has caused severe damage to many ancient monuments, it has also led to unexpected archaeological discoveries — revealing new information about Myanmar’s cultural heritage that would otherwise have remained hidden.
Help Protect Myanmar’s Heritage
The Heritage for Myanmar (HFM) application allows users to report damaged or discovered heritage items directly to conservation authorities. Public cooperation is essential to ensure that Myanmar’s rich cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.
