"Amber hunters" on a quest for a Jurassic Park-style discovery of dinosaur remains sift through mounds of the precious resin in Myanmar -- a lucrative trade that captivates palaeontologists but also fuels a decades-long conflict in the far north. Pieces of polished amber, a honey-coloured fossilised tree sap, on sale at a market in Danai, Kachin state AFP/Ye Aung THU The morning amber market on the outskirts of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state, throngs with traders using torches and magnifying glasses to scrutinise pieces of the honey-coloured fossilised tree sap. Some sell rough-edged uncut chunks. Others tout finished products: pendants, necklaces and bracelets made from carefully polished pieces. The trading takes place just a few dozen kilometres from the fighting between Myanmar's army and ethnic Kachin rebels battling for autonomy, land, identity -- and natural resources that help finance both sides. The jade and ruby industries dwarf the largely artisanal … [Read more...] about Chasing dinosaurs in Myanmar’s conflict-ridden north
Revivals in history
Torres Strait masks firsr ever to be introduced in Vietnam
This international traveling exhibition was developed by Gab Titui Cultural Centre and is presented in partnership with the National Museum of Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is part of activities to the celebration of 45th anniversary of Vietnam - Australia diplomatic relations as well as showcases Australia’s unique Indigenous culture.Photo: Binh ChauThe Torres Strait is a network of islands connecting Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Traditionally ancestors crafted the masks using materials native to the region and from the sea, such as Koerar turtle shell, fine rope fibres and wild bees wax. While rooted in ancient spirituality, today masks and mask making are expressions of artistic and cultural revival, reflecting on Torres Strait Islanders’ oldest and most vibrant rituals. These masks also bridge the gap between ancient Torres Strait traditions by connecting the next generation to their culture and passing down ancient knowledge. … [Read more...] about Torres Strait masks firsr ever to be introduced in Vietnam
Australia’s Torres Strait masks displayed in Hanoi
The Australian Embassy in Vietnam kicked off an exhibition entitled “Evolution: Torres Strait Masks” at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi on May 18. At the opening ceremony (Source: VNA) The event was part of activities celebrating the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties (February 26) and International Museum Day (May 18). Speaking at the event, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick said this was the first time masks of Torres Strait, one of the typical Australian cultural features, have been introduced to the Vietnamese public. He hoped that the Vietnamese people will learn more about the life and culture of Australian indigenous people in the strait through the event, thereby promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. According to the tradition of Torres Strait – a network of islands between Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, masks are made by hand … [Read more...] about Australia’s Torres Strait masks displayed in Hanoi
Exhibition features HCM City history, development
A corner of present Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: tapchitaichinh.vn Themed “Ho Chi Minh City – Aspiration for Rising Highly”, the exhibition in Nguyen Hue street displays 84 photos featuring the struggle of the army and people for liberation of the South and national reunification, as well as the strong growth of the city in the past over four decades. In Dong Khoi street and Labour Culture Palace, the exhibition also showcases 50 photos on the activeness and renovation of workers in Ho Chi Minh City, along with nearly 70 photos on the promotion of patriotism of the working class during national moderniation and industrialisation. The photos revived the patriotism movements of Sai Gon – Gia Dinh – Cho Lon workers during the war against the US under the leadership of the National Front for Liberation of the South, liberating the south and reunifying the country. The event, part of activities to mark the 43rd South Liberation and National … [Read more...] about Exhibition features HCM City history, development
Symposium spotlights national protection war in southwestern border
A ceremony to rebury the remains of Vietnam's voluntary experts and soldiers who laid down their lives in the national protection war in the southwestern border (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – Leading experts and scientists of Vietnam gathered at a symposium in Ho Chi Minh City on April 5 to look into some issues about the war defending the country in the southwestern border. The event was organised by the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University - HCM City, and the HCM City Association of Historical Sciences. In the opening remarks, Chairman of the HCM City Association of Historical Sciences Prof. Dr Vo Van Sen affirmed that Vietnam’s move came from the legitimate demand for self-defence. Facing the provocation of the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime in the southwestern border, Vietnam exercised utmost restraint and showed the goodwill and the wish for peaceful and friendly … [Read more...] about Symposium spotlights national protection war in southwestern border