Most people recognize women from the Paduang tribe (scattered between Burma and Thailand) by the awesome brass rings piled high upon their necks - a body custom that has earned them nicknames such as the "Long Neck" or "Giraffe Tribe." For these women, the use of neck rings has become less of a choice than a necessity.
One article describes the harsh reality of the procedure and provides some shocking photos:
Rings are snapped around the necks of girls beginning at the age of six. A few rings may be added every year, up to a limit of 20. The record, according to one village woman, is 28 brass rings. The women's necks aren't actually stretched. Rather, the weight of the rings gradually crushes the women's collar bones, producing the illusion of long necks.
While no one knows exactly why the custom developed, the most common explanation is that "an extra-long neck is considered a sign of great beauty and wealth and that it will attract a better husband." Paduang women are also made to pay a steep price if they commit adultery. A women who is unfaithful to her husband is punished by the removal of her neck rings; since her neck muscles alone can no longer support her head, she is forced to spend the rest of her years lying down.
Beyond its original purpose, the body altering tradition has survived thanks to a number of gawking tourists and local boat operators. While women are now allowed to choose whether or not they want to wear the rings, many have become financially dependent on them. Rather than return to the "impoverished, military-ruled" country of Burma (from their new home in northern Thailand), they suffer the daily discomfort of wearing the rings to earn money.
Encouraged by their mothers, many girls accept money from tourist boat operators to become long-necked women. The companies pay 500 baht, about $13, a month to every girl who dons the coils.
Boat operators control tourist access to Huay Puu Kaeng, a settlement of thatch-roofed, bamboo shacks along the Pai River. Visitors pay for the boat ride here. There is no admission charge to the village, which critics call a "human zoo," but some tourists tip the Padaung after taking photographs and also buy trinkets sold by virtually every family.
"We want food, clothes and other necessities. This is the only way we can earn money," says Mu Song, a 28-year-old mother. Mu Song's daughter Emi, 7, has worn coils for two years and the family is trying to save enough money to buy them for 5-year-old Mu Ja."
Making matters worse, these women are denied the basic rights of Thai citizens and are, more or less, considered illegal immigrants. The Paduang tribe's presence, however, is generously tolerated by the government because of its major contribution to the local tourism industry.
Sadly, the cycle does not seem like it will be ending anytime soon:
In a hut that serves as the village school, the children are taught simple mathematics and the Thai language. "They have difficulties learning how to read and write Thai since their own language has no written form," says a teacher, Surin Kongsathienraphap. "I do not see what the future holds for them...The girls will end up doing what their mothers are doing to survive," the teacher says.
