Paper short abstract:

The focus of this paper is in the tracking of ornaments and artifacts which brought about the changes in belief, rituals, social and cultural aspects from the prehistoric to proto-historical period in early Myanmar and cultural links between China and Myanmar.

Paper long abstract:

The focus of this paper is in the tracking of ornaments and artifacts which brought about the changes in belief, rituals, social and cultural aspects from the prehistoric to proto-historical period in early Myanmar and cultural links between China and Myanmar.

Links between China and Myanmar could be identified from evidence of bronze artifacts and stone beads from the Samon Valley. Beads from the Samon Valley Bronze-Iron culture (circa 700 BC - 100 AD) are undeniably linked to the Western Zhou Dynasty where metal figurines of "tiger with cub in mouth" stand as proof of the association. Although the figurines are of different material (justifiably so with semi-precious stones available in abundance in Myanmar) the basic concept is observed to be the same. Culture and trade relationship can be inferred from other evidences such as bronze artifacts.

Gradual changes led the Samon Culture into the Pyu Era (200 BC - 900 AD), This transition period shifts the focus from China in the east to India in the west of Myanmar and links with the silk road of Asia.

All these links and their changes merging into one unique culture could be seen as a basic and crucial ingredient in the formation of the Pyu Culture (200 BC - 900 AD)