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Situated atop the Karen Hills, the tribe of 'Giraffe Women' mesmerizes tourists with the tradition of adorning intricate metal neck rings. The total weight of the rings they carry on their necks can reach up to 16 kg.
Explore Myanmar: A Glimpse into the Village of 'Giraffe Women'
The tribe of 'Giraffe Women,' known as Kayan, resides in the remote Karen Hills in Eastern Myanmar. Women here follow the custom of wearing metal rings on their necks, arms, and legs, symbolizing the nobility and wealth of their families.
Since ancient times, neck rings have been a valuable and prized fashion item, typically reserved for beloved daughters in the family. There are various explanations for this tradition. Locals believe that wearing these rings protects women from wild animal bites and enhances their beauty. Additionally, they believe that the more rings a woman wears, the more suitors she will attract. Consequently, some individuals can be seen wearing neck rings weighing up to 16 kg.
This tradition seems to be gradually fading as the community opens its doors to tourists, influenced by Western cultures, as reported by Channel News Asia.
“Most young people no longer wear neck rings due to the influence of modern culture,” reveals the elder of Mu Lone village in Pan Pet.
Pan Pet is a village with over 1,000 inhabitants. Decades ago, armed conflicts isolated this village from the outside world, making it the most remote place in Myanmar. In 2012, Pan Pet began opening its doors to welcome tourists.
Today, girls in the villages feel liberated as they remove the 'shackles' of the neck rings. Some still adhere to this tradition not to preserve heritage but for commercial reasons catering to tourism.
“What we see is only the surface. It seems we can only keep the tradition, not the soul of it,” notes Pascal Khoo Thwe, an expert from the International Trade Center.
According to Vân Phạm/Vnexpress
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Explore: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 23, 2016
