Exploring The Kayan Tribe In Northern Thailand
Enveloped in the mystique of tradition, the Kayan women – often referred to as the “giraffe women” – adorn themselves with heavy brass coils that gracefully encircle their necks, creating the illusion of an elongated silhouette. From the tender age of four or five, Kayan girls begin the lifelong journey of accentuating their necks, with the addition of new rings each passing year. These metal adornments can cumulatively weigh up to a staggering 11 kilograms, exerting downward pressure on the collarbone and compressing the rib cage.
Far from a mere accessory, these coils are a profound expression of cultural identity, symbolizing beauty and status within the tribe. The Kayan women wear their coils with pride, a constant emblem of heritage that is never removed..