This woman of the Padaung tribe was weaving beautiful silk scarves and cloth with 5 other women in a crafts workshop in a small river town near Inle Lake. All of the weavers were wearing the brass and gold coils on their necks, arms and legs. Grown women with full leg spirals must sit with their legs thrust straight out in front of them and they have to drink through a straw because of the stiff neck coils. I read that this custom, while extreme, does not cause health problems but the leg coils do limit mobility. Personally, I’m uncomfortable wearing tight clothing, and can’t imagine having to tote all that metal around. One article I read said that today, many Padaung women are refusing to put the neck rings on their daughters. Hope that trend continues.
Another interesting and disturbing scene. One thing I remember were the very young girls in a tent structure sewing the Kalagas -- it took them months.
Hope they discontinue that custom, too....Every time I see them I also wonder how they ever clean under the rings, and whether they have developed any skin conditions....imagine having an itch!! I can't even stand wearing pantyhose or tight shoes, and these rings seem so restrictive to their mobility! Love the light in the room, and the silk weaving...
Another beautiful but disturbing image! How painful it must be and so difficult to move with the leg rings. I hope they do discontinue this custom. Do the men wear the rings too or is it just the girls/ women made to do it I wonder.
I did not know about the leg rings. I agree - no tight pants for me. And to think that these women think this is normal. I guess to them it IS normal. You have to wonder how and when it ever started....
