Salwe

Salwe (Burmese: စလွယ်, [səlwɛ̀]) are issues for Burmese orders. A salwe is a shoulder-belt formed with metal chains, normally fashioned in gold or silver, which are fastened in four places, in shields or bosses, and worn over the shoulder like an officer's sash.[1]

For the Polish chess player, see Gersz Salwe.
Salwe on Mindon Min's shirt

The Burmese monarchy used the salwe was purely secular, as it was used to recognize merit and service to the state.[1]

Etymology and origins

The Burmese language word salwe စလွယ် is a corruption of the Hindi term janeu (जनेऊ).[2] Janeu (also known as upanayana) in Hindi, refers to a sacred investiture or Brahminical cord found in the higher castes of Hindu society.[3]

It is of ancient Burmese origin.[1] The salwe is referenced in the Salwedin Sadan (Book of the Order), a Burmese text that states the number of salwe cords that members of each of the four Hindu varnas wore:

  1. Rulers (Khattiya) - 9 cords[1]
  2. Ritualists (Brahmana) - 6 cords[1]
  3. Merchants (Vessa) - 1-3 cords[1]
  4. Commoners (Sudda) - none[1]

Usage
Salwe as seen at the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka.

The number of strands or threads indicate rank in the order.[1] The salwe was worn as a symbol of high character, to maintain the purity of character of one's family or caste.[1]

During the Konbaung Dynasty, high-ranking ministers with immunity from various forms of execution (thetdawshay) also wore salwe of 18 strands.[1] The following is a list of Konbaung-era grades and corresponding number of salwe strands conferred:

Grades during the Konbaung Dynasty[1]
GradeNumber of Strands
King24
Crown Prince21
Shan Sawbwas, Princes of the Blood18
Shan Myosas, other Royal Family Members15
High-ranking Ministers (Mugyi, Matgyi)12
Lower-ranking Ministers (Mulat, Matlat, Mu-nge, Matnge)3-9

Current usage

The following salwes are currently issued by the Government of Burma:

References
  • Myanmar–English Dictionary. Myanmar Language Commission. 1993. ISBN 1-881265-47-1 http://sealang.net/burmese. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  • Scott, James George; Hardiman, John Percy (1900). Gazetteer of Upper Burma and the Shan States. 2. Rangoon: Government of Burma.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)

See also
  1. Scott & Hardiman 1900, p. 134.
  2. MLC 1993.
  3. Scott & Hardiman 1900, p. 135.
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