Nowhere else in the world will you find women with brass and gold alloy coils around their necks!* The Padaung or long-necked women, hail from Kayah state, in the southern part of the northeast region of Myanmar.
Beginning from the tender age of five, when their bones are pliable and soft, the young girls wear the coils, with additional coils added every few years. The neck coils can weigh over 20 pounds, while the leg loops can weigh around 30 pounds. The coils near the neck are smaller and narrower before widening towards the shoulders. A cushion type of material protects the chin from the coils.
Contrary to wide-held perceptions, the neck is not stretched. The weight of the brass coils push the collar bones down instead and compress the rib cage, and this results in a shorter rib region. The coils are usually changed when a longer coil is needed.
The Padaung prefer to be referred to as Kayan and the name, ‘giraffe women’ is quite derogatory. I prefer to say, ‘swan-necked’ instead of ‘long-necked’ as they appear quite graceful when the coils are removed.
By the time a Padaung woman reaches maturity, she can end up with a full set of 25 coils. Generally, their costume consists of a head scarf that winds gracefully around the head; a short, coat over a loose, embroider-edged, white tunic, a mini, dark blue skirt and dark leggings (perhaps they were the precursor of the western leggings).
Having no historical records, theories abound as to the reasons behind the practice of coiling. They range from: protecting the neck from tiger bites; deterring slave traders from capturing the women, who may hopefully appear unattractive with their elongated necks; to preventing men from other tribes or regions from kidnapping the women.
It was a wonderful experience, seeing these lovely, gentle women but the weight of the coils they wear, were astonishingly heavy. These unique and distinct brass coils identify these Kayan or Padaung women, their culture and their ethnicity.
(C) Wendy Robinson All rights reserved
Being different is like being called ‘Limited Edition.’ Meaning you’re something people don’t see that often. Remember that! ~ http://www.livelifehappy.com/
All photographs are my own except for two: the little Kayan girl and the young women with the coils removed. They are from the internet and my thanks go to the photographer.
Footnote: *For those interested in facts, the Southern Ndebele women in South Africa wear rings as opposed to coils, around their neck and they do so after their marriage.
Comments on: "The Padaung Women" (16)
Thankyou for your well written article it was a pleasure to read
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Thank you Jenny! You’re quick off the mark as it has only been up for less than five minutes. Thank you again for visiting and more importantly, for commenting. xx
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I enjoy your written words and am made aware of anything new by a bell notification on my phone π
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Hope this works as I’m on my computer and I don’t have all the icons : β€
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It’s an odd tradition. I wonder why the men don’t have to wear coils…
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Hi Marissa, The coils are considered a means of beauty, that is, they elongate the neck, so it is only the women who pursue the ‘beauty’ enhancing product (not much different to women around the world) and put up with any initial discomfort. I bet the men would agree with the terminology ‘viva la difference!’ Lol!
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I suppose so. It seems like a torture device to me!
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This is super interesting. Have seen pictures in National Geographic years ago but hadn’t read the articles. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed learning about these women and the coils.
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Thanks for commenting and I’m thrilled that you not only read my post on them after ignoring NG but you also enjoyed it. π
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I’ve always been fascinated by neck coils and those who wear them. They do look uncomfortable though I’m sure since this is a cultural thing, the women who wear them are adjusted to the weight.
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You’re correct Steph. They appear to adjust to the weight and it’s astounding as many of the women look and are tiny and frail. Thank you for commenting. I’ll be changing my email address soon as I’m having trouble with the one I’m using on WordPress. πΉ
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Hi Wendy, please let me know you’re new email address once you change it. Mine is smccoy@boldblindbeauty.com.
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Of course Steph. I’ll email you.
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Great post! Have you done a lot of travelling in that “neck” of the world?
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I responded but there may have been a hiccup and I don’t think it went through. Had a good chuckle at the pun but I’ve only been to Myanmar once before and was disappointed I did not see the Padaung women back then.
I believe my mum flew with me as a babe several times to Hong Kong and India but I don’t recall any of those times. Thank you for commenting.
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Only to Myanmar/Burma twice, but I met the Padaung women only on this trip and it was a long-hoped for wish come true. It was once unknown for them to travel out of their State or region. Thank you for commenting.
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