Abstract
In this paper, I focus on the grass plant group Job’s tears (Coix) to discuss people-plant interaction on the periphery of Myanmar. The field observations and interviews indicate that the wild and cultivated plants of Job’s tears are recognized as a resource providing food, medicine, and seed beads. Ethnic groups belonging to different linguistic categories share a common culture of using the Job’s tears plant. In particular, the seed beads have played a unique role in their material culture; they are used as toys and tools for rituals and ceremonies, as well as for body decoration in beautiful and striking combinations.
In recent years, however, the use of the seed beads has changed considerably. The entire process is now carried out by different seed collectors, product makers, and product users as seed bead products have entered the trade as souvenir handicrafts for tourists. Non-minority apparel makers have also started to produce new seed bead products for local sale using seeds obtained from ethnic minorities. In conclusion, the seed beads of the Job’s tears plants can serve as an indicator of socioeconomic change and human relations in a multiethnic society on the periphery of Myanmar.
