Trade Routes of Hkakabo Razi, Northern Myanmar

California Academy Of Sciences, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Abstract

0127453 Klieger This exploratory research studies an ancient trade route between northern Myanmar (Burma), Tibet and Yunnan Province of China. The principal investigator, an anthropologist, and a photojournalist will travel where few outsiders have ever received permission to travel, the Hkakabo Razi region of Myanmar. The project will examine trade relationships between highland people of Myanmar and Tibetan traders, exchanging salt for forest products. They will gather information on the history of trade relations and kinship ties in the region, with an eye towards documenting the traditional pattern of behavior before rapid change begins. The research is important as it will provide a baseline of information about the Taron people living in this little-known region. This sort of research also provides valuable data about the persistence of cultural groups in isolated regions.