The Kayan people are an ethnic group originating from Myanmar. They are widely recognized due to the unique tradition of their women wearing metal rings around their necks.
Because of that tradition, the Kayan women are often referred to as the Padaung. The name "Padaung" is actually a term used by the lowland people of Burma, meaning "long neck".
Regional Roots of the Kayan People
The ancestral land of the Kayan ethnic group is located in northeastern Myanmar, specifically in Kayah State.
The mountainous region serves as their main settlement, where local traditions have been passed down through generations. The livelihoods of the people in their native region mostly rely on agriculture and rural activities.
The prolonged armed conflict in Myanmar has forced many Kayan villagers to relocate. Waves of refugees brought some members of this group across the border into northern Thailand. Their new settlements can now be found in several areas, such as Mae Hong Son Province.
The presence of the Kayan people along the northern Thai border subsequently developed into distinct settlement areas. Some of them remain in the region with cross-border refugee status.
The Fact Behind the Long-Neck Appearance
The long-necked appearance of Kayan women is actually a visual illusion. Medical X-ray examinations by National Geographic proved that their neck bones do not stretch at all.
The structure of the neck bones remains normal in size and count, just like any other human being.
The elongated neck effect occurs due to the pressure exerted by the heavy metal coils being worn. The heavy metal resting on the collar region gradually pushes the collarbone and upper ribs downward. This lowering of the collarbone depresses the chest cavity, creating the impression of a longer neck.
The shift in the position of the collarbone takes place slowly over time. The metal tightly coiled around the neck also functions to support the head to keep it upright. As a result of the downward pressure on the skeleton, the shoulders of Kayan women appear more sloped than normal.
Wearing Rings from an Early Age
The tradition of wearing metal coils among the Kayan people begins when girls reach around five years of age. According to local custom, this initial fitting is reserved only for girls born on auspicious days and during a waxing moon.
The fitting is performed by senior village practitioners who wind the first few metal coils around the child's neck. The material used consists of thick wire made from a blend of brass, silver, and gold.
Additional metal rings are added periodically as the child grows into adulthood. New metal rings are added gradually to form a tall, thick stack of coils around the neck.
Besides the neck, some Kayan women also wear similar metal coils on their arms and legs. The total weight of the metal coils borne by an adult woman can reach several kilograms. Removing or replacing the metal coils requires the assistance of an expert due to the rigid and heavy nature of the material.
The installed metal is routinely cleaned by the wearer without having to remove the entire set from the neck. The brass coils are worn continuously during daily activities, ranging from managing household chores to working in the fields.
Reference:
Mirante, E. (2006). The dragon mothers polish their metal coils. Guernica Magazine.
