Beautiful Burmese

I remember loving National Geographic when I was young. I was awestruck at how different all the people on the pages were, from the simplistic white American life I knew. I distinctly remember one issue in particular, the Kayan women of Burma, 'The Long Neck Tribes'. They were like fantasy people to me... At a young age, I couldn't understand why any woman would do that to their bodies, but as I grew older, I began to realize body modification is a way of life for women. From neck and lip rings, to feet binding, to breast enhancement and rhinoplasty, not a lot has changed in the past 1,000 years.

This particular tour was limited to one village just on the other side of the Myanmar border (entry to Myanmar had just opened up). Although it was mainly a place for visitors to buy handcrafted textiles and jewelry, it was still incredible for me to see the women from the magazine in real life.

This woman was 73 years old. She began wearing brass rings at the age of 5 and has had the rings replaced approximately every year with an additional turn added each year. Depending on the number of rings, depends on the weight. Each ring can be several kilos each.

Handwoven scarves and blankets made from hand spun and dyed silk and wool.

The brass rings compact the rib cage and give the illusion that the neck is longer than most peoples.

The rings are now worn as a way for women and girls to make money from tourists, not necessarily a cultural tradition.

Young Kayan woman spinning silk for weaving. Traditional neck rings, but modern western dress.

Handmade metal bracelets are also worn as additional adornment.

Knee rings are also a part of traditional dress. These rings cause discomfort and decrease circulation.

This woman is wearing a traditional head dress worn for important ceremonies.

This woman was my favorite. The women of Burma find it desirable to have black teeth, so from a young age women chew betel nuts to permanently stain teeth. Quite the opposite of our western standards.

Handwoven textiles are one of the only means of income for some of these women.

#women #tribal #textiles #handcrafted #beauty