Panbe (Art of Blacksmith)

Details
Blacksmithing is the art of softening iron and metal with the heat of the fire, then baking and molding it to get the desired shape. In the history of Myanmar, it can be found in the history of blacksmith “Maung Tintel”, that blacksmithing flourished since the Takaung period. To strengthen the structure of the Shwedagon Pagoda, many years ago, 2” x 1/2” iron plate nails were added to the structure of the pagoda to improve the strength of the bricks. In the 2008-2009 renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda, most of these nails are found in Ywe` Lone (ring of spherical bosses on a pagoda) and Kya-Hmauk/Kya-Lan (ornamental Lotus Petals). Even before the modern technology of civil engineering’s reinforced concrete buildings were built, nails were used to strengthen the Shwedagon Pagoda by successive dynasties. In addition, they made a holy offering to the top of the Stupas’ banana bub, the foundation of the umbrella (Htee Taw) using the blacksmithing skills of the Burmese people.