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The Shan people are a distinct ethnic
group that today constitute Myanmar’s
largest minority group. However, from
the 13th until the 16th Century, they
dominated most of the country. They are
largely Buddhist, and their language and
customs are closely related to the Thai
and Laotians their neighbors to the
south and east. In the 19th Century,
long after their power had eroded, they
were distributed among thirty petty
states that paid tribute first to the
Burman King, then to the British. This
arrangement remained more or less in
tact until 1922 when the Federated Shan
States were joined together. In 1947, a
unified Shan States was created under
the Burmese Constitution. Although much
of their autonomy has been relinquished
to the central government, the Shan
retain their unique cultural identity
and ethnic heritage.
This type of standing Buddha is commonly
referred to as the “walking Buddha.”
Apparently, this posture appears to
illustrate certain texts that were
recorded during the Sukhothai period.
Specifically, this form seems to relate
to the Buddha as described in canons
written during the reign of Rama
Khamheng in the late 13th Century. In
the city of Sukhothai, representations
of the walking Buddha were found placed
against the walls of temples. One hand
is traditionally held in the Abhaya
mudra, which symbolizes protection,
benevolence, and peace, while the other
arm hangs beside the body. Sometimes,
one leg is portrayed advancing forwards
of the other, contributing to the
designation of these figures as walking.
This marble walking Buddha portrays the
Sakyamuni holding his right arm in front
of his chest, with his hand forming the
Abhaya mudra, while this left arm
clutches the overhang of his robe. He
stands with both his feet together upon
a square base with incised decorations
that suggest lotus petals. There are
remnants of the original polychrome
decorating the work, noticeable on the
robes, head, and feet.
- (X.0233)
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