YANGON, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Rare Myanmar ethnic attires, worn by Shan chieftains over a century ago, are being displayed in Yangon, aimed at enhancing the spirit of an ethnic race to cherish its culture and traditions.

The 10-day exhibition, which began on Sunday at the National Museum, is sponsored by the Department of Archaeology, the National Museum and Library under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.

The exhibition displays costumes worn by and items used by Shan chieftains of various regions throughout the past successive eras and demonstrates the civilization of a race which can be studied through their costumes, style of dress, literature and culture, said Minister of Ethnic Affairs Naing Thet Win.

Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Phyo Min Thein said the exhibition promotes the image of the Myanmar races, suggesting the conservation and display of the culture and tradition of other ethnic races.

Noting that all the national races are living in amity in the union, the chief minister stressed the need for all to join hands and take up the duty to preserve and protect the ethnic culture and tradition.

Shan chieftains' attires were made of various types of fiber and decorated with patterns.

The Shan state was an ethnic state of Myanmar lying in the northeastern part of the country and covering 155,800 square km, almost a quarter of the total area of Myanmar.