Acheik

[1][2] The weaving is labor-intensive, requiring at least two weavers to manipulate the shuttles to achieve the interwoven wave-like patterns.

[5] The name acheik may derive from the name of the quarter in which the weavers lived, Letcheik Row (လက်ချိတ်တန်း); the term itself was previously called waik (ဝိုက်), referring to the woven zig-zag pattern.

[3] The wave-like patterns may have in fact been inspired by Neolithic motifs and natural phenomena (i.e., waves, clouds, indigenous flora and fauna).

[3] Tributary gifts bestowed to the Burmese royal court may also have provided an additional source of inspiration.

[5] The textile became popular during the Konbaung dynasty, during which sumptuary laws regulated who could wear acheik clothing.