Myanmar series - Portrait #13

Posted by Helen (Melbourne, Australia) on 2 March 2007 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.

The Padaung (a branch of the Karen) people wear decorative rings. In certain tribes, women wear rings around their waists and arms. There are still some tribes remaining in Myamar and even more taking refuge in Thailand where the women wear neck rings. They are often refered to as 'long-necks'.
Young girls begin wearing the brass rings around their necks at five years old then add more coils over time.
I picked up a coil and was amazed at the weight of it. The weight of the brass pushes down the collar bone and compresses the rib cage, which eventually gives the impression of a long neck.

Constructive feedback is your greatest compliment; caring enough to bother saying something ... thanks for visiting!
Why not join the Critique my Image Game in the Forum?
---------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my site - www.warnod.net
Helen's photography in print - Kicking the Dirt: Myanmar
Buy prints at Unique perspectives

Comments (9)

Bronnie from Christchurch, New Zealand

I had seen photo's of these women, and wondered how the effect of the long neck was achieved - didn't realise it was compression of the clavicle and rib cage, nor that the rings were heavy. She looks a little hesitant but very girly never-the-less!

2 Mar 2007 6:10am

Dimitrios from ATHENS, Greece

My goodnes, what a face, so bright, so happy with her photographer. Ok Hellen lets make a deal. You visit my blog and look at my portfolio, chose one picture you like most and I shall mail it to you 20 by 25 cm. Then I can choose one of yours and you mail it to me sighnd of cource in the front. I shall put it in my office. WELL DONE once more GREAT photo, great feelings.

2 Mar 2007 8:48am

@Dimitrios: Thanks Dimitrios, you honour me.

Sidonie from Sydney, Australia

When and how do they get them off? Is each welded close into a ring? Have you seen an adult who wore them once and no longer? Is there a women's organisation working to end the practice?

2 Mar 2007 11:43am

Shiva from Kajang, Malaysia

Wicked shot!!! I love it!

2 Mar 2007 1:47pm

Craiger from Vacaville, California, United States

Marvelous portrait!

2 Mar 2007 4:03pm

Stephanie from Tuscaloosa, United States

Wow! What a shot! I've heard that women go for years wearing them and that if they cut them off after that long, they risk serious neck injuries since they are so used to wearing the rings. Other cultures are fascinating! This is a wonderful photo!

2 Mar 2007 8:07pm