Tha Natkha
Myanmar Women’s Cosmetics
About Thanakha
A defining aspect of Myanmar people’s appearance is that both men and women wear longyi (a wraparound skirt) and rubber sandals. A common accessory is the “hlwal-ate” (a cloth shoulder bag).
Women apply a distinctive white colored cosmetic called thanakha to their faces. If you look closely, you will see circular, oval or some time even leaf-shaped patterns on their cheeks and foreheads. This is the traditional makeup for women in Myanmar, popular from childhood to adulthood. Although thanakha is primarily for women, you may occasionally see young boys put thanakha on their face as well. It looks especially charming on young children. It is also applied to the arms.
Thanakha is categorized into two types: “Shin Ma Taung” for the face and “Nanthar Phyu” for the arms. Thanakha is made from the bark of the thanakha tree, botanically known as Murraya exotica or Limonia acidissima, a type of citrus tree. To prepare it, a few drops of water are added to a flat, circular stone slab called a kyauk pyin. The bark is then rubbed against the stone for several minutes, producing a creamy paste that is applied directly to the face and forehead with the fingers.
There are several ways to apply thanakha to the face:
Application Areas:
- The entire face.
- Both cheeks and the nose.
- Cheeks only.
Common Patterns:
- Circles or ovals.
- Squares.
- Spiral.
- Leaf-shaped designs.
- A central circle surrounded by smaller circles.
Immediately after application, the paste provides a cooling sensation due to evaporation, which is particularly refreshing in hot season. It also acts as a natural sunscreen and helps control perspiration. When applied to the arms as “Nanthar Phyu,” it functions like cologne, offering a subtle fragrance.
The thanakha tree is cultivated in Myanmar throughout the year. Famous growing regions include Sagging near Mandalay, areas south of Pyay, and the Pakokku district. The tree thrives in hard soil, has rough bark, and the logs can be stored for long periods. Trees aged between 3 to 10 years are considered ideal. There are several varieties, with the most famous being “Shwemadaw” from the Sagging region.
Thanakha is an essential item for Myanmar women and is widely available for purchase. On the approaches to pagodas and temples, you can find thanakha in various sizes for sale. It is sold as raw wood logs, in bottled liquid form, and as pre-made cream. The cream form also requires a few drops of water to be mixed before application.
The primary purposes of wearing thanakha are:
- As cosmetics.
- As a sunscreen.
- To provide a cooling sensation on the face.
In recent times, some women first apply cosmetic foundation and then lightly apply thanakha on top. Many women continue to use thanakha throughout their lives.
