Faces of Burma

This beautiful country is full of lovely people, inside and out. The women are simply dressed, almost make-up free and carry themselves with pride and elegance. You see hundred of many young women with the fragrant thanaka paste smeared over their faces. Thanaka is the yellowish white paste that most Burmese women and girls daub over their faces and arms. The cream is made from the ground bark of several trees, and is worn to protect fragile complexions from the darkening, dehydrating effects of strong sunlight. Apart from its cosmetic and sun-blocking properties, thanaka is believed to cure acne and act as an antiseptic. Not only are the Burmese women beautiful but smart too!