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![](../../THAILEXPICS/punka%20(Burmese%20ceiling%20fan)%20A.jpg) |
punka (ceiling fan) |
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![Myanmar](../../../IMAGES/Photo%20Flags/Photo%20Flag%20Myanmar%20(after%20Oct.%202010).jpg) |
Punka
is the Burmese term used for a fan,
which in its traditional form consists of a framed rectangular piece of textile
or a rug, that is
attached to the ceiling. |
It is
operated with a rope, making it the fan swing back and
forth by pulling the rope, somewhat like a church bell,
though the one in this photo additionally has a handle. |
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![](../../THAILEXPICS/punka%20(Burmese%20ceiling%20fan)%201.jpg) |
punka (ceiling fan) |
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![](../../THAILEXPICS/punka%20(Burmese%20ceiling%20fan)%20B.jpg) |
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This archaic fan, in the past usually reserved for the rich and royalty, was typically operated by a servant. |
Today, it
can still be found over a large
Buddha image
at the
Shwedagon
Pagoda in Yangon (fig.),
where visitors can gain merit by fanning the image.
![DIRECTIONS](../../../IMAGES/directionlogo.gif) |
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![](../../THAILEXPICS/punka%20(Burmese%20ceiling%20fan)%202.jpg) |
punka (ceiling fan) |
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![](../../../IMAGES/SocMedTT.png)
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