An Unusually Long neck…? Or, a Ringed Neck of beauty….

Good Looks have always held an important place in society-even in Ancient times.  Tribal folk- Kayan, (also commonly known as Padaung) who lived in the Border Mountains between Burma and Thailand had a unique way of expressing beauty. Commonly known as The Giraffe Neck, this traditional practice was a way of creating a picture of an elongated neck.

The practice of wearing Neck Rings started as early as the age of five years old. It has unknown roots, yet was believed to be a sign of tribal identity. These single brass coils were placed around the neck, with a belief that the clavicle and ribs descended by 45 degrees down from their normal position.  Every year a coil was added on to the neck, and with growth replaced by a longer coil- each coil weighing maximum of 5kg! One the rings were worn, they were rarely removed, as it was a lengthy procedure. It was believed that only unfaithful women had their rings removed as a sign of punishment, where their necks were suffocated, and broke.  They were removed only when they felt it was considered old-fashioned, or for medical examinations.

However, women preferred to wear the rings when there neck was already elongated, because the skin portion kept for so many years, beneath the brass coils was often bruised and discoloured.

In South Africa, women of Ndebele tribe also wore neck rings, but their practice started at the age of twelve years when they got married. Their rings were different because the rings were individual and did not press against the rib cage, or produce the impression of an elongated neck.