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Women of the Burmese Kayan Lahwi tribe
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Women of the Burmese Kayan Lahwi tribe
Four women and a young baby from the Kayan Lahwi tribe, a group of the Karenni people of Burma (Myanmar). Women of the various Kayan tribes identify themselves by their different form of dress. The Kayan Lahwi tribe are the most renowned as they wear ornaments known as neck rings, brass coils that are placed around the neck. These coils are first applied to young girls when they are around five years old. Each coil is replaced with longer coils as the weight of the brass pushes the collar bone down and compresses the rib cage. Contrary to popular belief, the neck is not actually lengthened; the illusion of a stretched neck is created by the deformation of the clavicle
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Media ID 4439439
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10283482
Brass Burma Burmese Coils Deformation Deformed Jewellery Kayan Knees Myanmar Neck Necked Ornament Ornamentation Ornaments Ring Rings Stretch Stretched Stretching Traditonal Padaung
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In this evocative photograph, four women and a young baby from the Kayan Lahwi tribe of Burma (Myanmar) are seen adorned in their traditional costumes, which include the renowned neck rings. The Kayan Lahwi are a subgroup of the larger Karenni people, and their distinctive ornamentation has captured the attention of the world. The neck rings, known as "brass coils," are first applied to young girls around the age of five. Each coil is gradually replaced with longer ones as the weight of the brass pushes the collarbone down and compresses the rib cage. Contrary to popular belief, the neck is not actually lengthened; instead, the illusion of a stretched neck is created by the deformation of the clavicle. The Kayan Lahwi people have lived in the hills of eastern Burma for centuries, and their unique tradition is believed to have originated as a sign of beauty and maturity. The rings are also thought to have protected the women from tigers and other predators, as they made it more difficult for the animals to bite the neck. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Kayan Lahwi people, whose traditions have been passed down through generations. The women's intricately designed costumes, which also include brass rings on their knees, add to their striking appearance. The young baby in the photograph is a reminder of the continuity of this tradition and the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the Kayan Lahwi tribe.
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