With patient hands, Myanmar's Inthas weave lotus fibers into world's handcrafted luxury

The birth of lotus weaving in Inle Lake dates back more than a century. "Lotus fiber originated in Myanmar and is produced only in Inle. It's part of our identity," owner of Inle Treasure Hand Weaving Centre said.

NYAUNGSHWE, Myanmar, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Known as sons of the lake, the Inthas are a Myanmar ethnic group living on and around Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe township, southern Shan state.

Living in stilt houses and tending floating farms, the Inthas draw their livelihood from the water. Among their rarest traditions is lotus weaving, a meticulous craft quietly passed from generation to generation.

At the Inle Treasure Hand Weaving Centre, a young Intha woman sits by a low wooden table, carefully demonstrating the first and most delicate stage of the craft, extracting lotus fibers. She takes a freshly cut stem, breaks it in half, and slowly pulls the ends apart, revealing the fine threads within.

"Extracting lotus fibers is labor-intensive," explained Ye Yint Phyo, marketing representative of the center.

"It requires specific skills, patience, and time. To produce a small scarf, we use fibers from about 7,000 stems. That is why the price is higher than ordinary fibers. Its price is about seven times that of ordinary fibers," he said on Friday (Oct. 31).

The lotus threads, naturally creamy in color, are spun on a hand-turned wheel into spools of silk. They are then dyed using natural materials such as tree bark, seeds, jackfruit, and lotus leaves, creating soft, earthy tones.

Finally, the prepared threads are woven on traditional handlooms, transforming the fragile fibers into exquisite scarves, shirts, handbags, and monks' robes.

The result is a luxurious textile that is durable, naturally fragrant, and suitable for any season. Wealthy customers often purchase these pieces as luxurious gifts or offerings, Ye Yint Phyo said.

Daw Myat Su Su Nge, owner of Inle Treasure Hand Weaving Centre, emphasized the heritage behind each creation. "Lotus fiber originated in Myanmar and is produced only in Inle. It's part of our identity," she said proudly.

"The beauty of lotus fibers is that it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter," she added, noting that the center grows lotus plants around the lake and also purchases stems from local farmers.

"There are only a few people who know how to extract and weave lotus fibers properly," she added. "Skilled lotus weavers are limited, so we also train young people to keep the tradition alive."

The birth of lotus weaving in Inle Lake dates back more than a century, when artisan Paw Sar Ou first noticed the fine fibers in lotus stems growing abundantly on the lake. The region's perfect hydroponic conditions have allowed lotus plants to flourish, giving artisans the raw material to transform into rare handcrafted luxury, local residents said.

Among those dedicated to the craft is 71-year-old Daw Mya Lay from Khit Sunn Yin Lotus, Silk and Cotton Hand Weaving Centre. Her weathered hands move with gentle grace as she works the loom.

"Extracting and weaving lotus fibers must be done slowly and carefully," she said softly. "It takes patience and time. I weave scarves and monks' robes," she said.

At the Myint Myat Thway Lotus, Silk and Cotton Hand Weaving Centre, owner Ma Chaw Su Aye shared her experience. "We've been making lotus products for about 15 years and currently have about seven lotus weavers."

"Before COVID-19, sales were better with many foreign visitors. But, scarves remain our best sellers. We hope more people come to see our work."

Inside the workshops, the steady rhythm of looms continues, echoing across the lake as the Inthas, with patient hands, transform fragile lotus fibers into the world's handcrafted luxury.■