This woman is a member of the Padaung hill tribe in the Shan State of Myanmar. She’s wearing the traditional white short-sleeved smock and turban –like headscarf but most prominent and startling is the 20-pounds of brass coils around her neck. It is a symbol of wealth, position and beauty in tribe’s culture. The first spiral is put on a girl at the age of five by a spirit doctor. Then coils are added, so that by the time a woman is of marriageable age, she might have a neck piece that is 12 inches in height. The Padaung believe that beauty lies in a long neck, graceful as a swan’s.
I debated about posting this picture because in researching this practice, I began to wonder if the photo might be exploiting these women. A friend told me she had seen similar photos many years ago in National Geographic and thought it was fascinating so I’m presenting it for comment.
This is definitely unnerving. I didn't see anything like that when we were there. It seems of the same issue with women's bound feet in China. Striking portrait, but disturbing. Still worth posting -- it is what it is, and it's a window into some unusual customs.
We did not see the Padaung women when we were there, either, but saw similar ones in the tribal areas of Thailand.....I believe it is an outdated practice, and seeing "specimens" like this one is always unnerving, and makes me uncomfortable as they are put there on display for tourist purposes (felt the same way about the Masai and other tribes we visited in Africa)....the worst part is actually knowing that if they were to ever remove those rings their necks would collapse as they have no strength of their own.
Fascinating but disturbing image. There are some very strange tribal customs which are hard for us to understand especially when it is done to make the woman beautiful! Mind you I don't even like tattoos which seem to be on the increase among young girls over here - again because they think it's beautiful!
I have seen other pictures of this neck stretching but I still gasped when I saw yours. It must have felt really strange for you to actually see the person. I find it very interesting to see and know other cultures. It seems that all the world is becoming the same. Fortunately for you, you are seeing, sharing and knowing another culture! And for us as we can see it through your eyes. This woman is beautiful to her tribe I am sure. Hopefully she doesn't have pain. Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth!
This is fascinating! I saw a television documentary about such practices several years ago. It's obviously odd to our western eyes, but there's an intrinsic beauty in it, and you captured it so well!
