Myint Maung is one of only four traditional kite-makers left in Yangon. From nimble fighter kites, doing battle in the sky, to writhing painted animals flying high, his colourful creations can been seen fluttering in the dry season breeze every year.
The 51-year-old learnt his trade from his father and has been making kites for over three decades. He also produces and distributes wooden kite reels all over Myanmar from his cluttered home-turned-workshop in South Dagon. Inside, numerous trophies for his kite-making ability takes pride of place.
Sitting on the concrete floor at the front of his one-storey house, he works from 6.30 in the morning till 10 at night with six workers. But decades of backbreaking, repetitive work has left indelible marks on his body. He lost the top part of his right middle finger after an accident with a knife while making the reels. He has also lost his right foot after the blood arteries there became clogged from sitting in one position for a prolonged period.
Despite the use of crunches and unstable income - Myanmar’s weather makes kite flying impossible for six months out of the year - Myint Maung remains committed to kite making.
"It is a difficult task (to make kites) but all kite makers are living hand to mouth because people only fly kites for a few months a year. Few people could bear the struggles."
“Everyone in the traditional sports association and the industry knew my father well. So I’m preserving my family heritage.”
(Interviewed Dec 2016)
