Myanmar bids to put traditional thanakha face powder on UN heritage list to boost cultural profile

While supporters and opponents of Myanmar’s military government are engaged in a bloody civil war, both sides can celebrate something worthy: the use of thanakha, a yellowish-white paste made from ground tree bark as a traditional natural cosmetic. Thanakha-painted cheeks are ubiquitous in Myanmar where the product comes from the bark of several tropical sandalwood tree species that grow in central ry zones. Myanmar is applying to have UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency, add thanakha to its world Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Members of all ages from 36 social organizations came together to showcase thanakha as a symbol of Myanmar society by competing in traditional songs and dances at a park in Yangon, the country's biggest city..