African neck rings before and after

Pan Pat, Myanmar — Women of the Kayan tribe in Myanmar are well known for wearing brass coils around their necks their entire lives in order to lengthen it. The belief is the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. The cultural practice does have its drawbacks.

Purchased from Stevens Auction Rooms in ; From the age of about five, a girl is fitted with a small coil around the neck. According to tradition, not all Kayan girls are entitled to wear them, only those born on auspicious days of the week and while the moon is waxing. It was thought that the rings were separate and just added on top of one another but in fact the ornament is always just one long strip of polished metal, wound into spirals. As the girl grows older, the ornaments are progressively replaced by ones with more coils until marriage when a final tower of coils like the one shown here is worn.

African neck rings before and after

Neck rings are an interesting fashion choice. Many cultures have a different standard of beauty, and while I can't quite identify why somebody would make the choice to wear neck rings I certainly respect their choice to do so. Neck rings are used to give the appearance of an elongated neck in many countries throughout Africa and Asia. I say 'give the appearance' because these neck rings don't actually stretch the neck. We will get into what is actually happening, as well as taking a look at the cultural significance of this fascinating practice. I've seen this in action for myself on a trip to Thailand and neck stretching can't truly be appreciated until you actually lay eyes on it for yourself. Well, as stated the neck isn't actually being stretched by these rings. Instead, the clavicle is deformed and pushed downwards. It can also reshape the ribs in the same way. The neck rings slowly push these bones downwards by around 45 degrees. This can give the illusion of an elongated neck, which is seen as a thing of beauty by many cultures. Neck rings are recognizable worldwide, but have you wondered about the most famous piece of jewelry?

It's much easier to manipulate bones when the skeleton is young and pliable. One is that they distinguished the Kayan women from those of neighbouring tribes so they could be ransomed back from captivity in times of inter-tribal warfare. You have successfully subscribed!

Neck rings , or neck-rings , are any form of stiff jewellery worn as an ornament around the neck of an individual, as opposed to a loose necklace. Many cultures and periods have made neck rings, with both males and females wearing them at various times. Of the two most notable types, one is the torc , an often heavy and valuable ornament normally open at the throat. These were worn by various early cultures but are especially associated with the ancient Celts of the European Iron Age , where they were evidently a key indicator of wealth and status , mostly worn by men. The other type is one or more spiral metal coils of many turns, often worn only by married women. In a few African and Asian cultures , neck rings are worn usually to create the appearance that the neck has been stretched. The custom of wearing neck rings is related to an ideal of beauty : an elongated neck.

The practice of wearing neck rings, also known as neck elongation, is a cultural tradition observed by certain African tribes. This unique adornment is often associated with the Kayan people of Myanmar, but it is essential to acknowledge that neck rings have also been worn by tribes in Africa, such as the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. The Ndebele tribe, renowned for their distinctive geometric artistry and vibrant beadwork, have historically recognized neck rings as a symbol of beauty and wealth. Neck rings are traditionally made from brass or copper and are meticulously coiled around the neck. Contrary to popular belief, these rings do not actually elongate the neck; rather, they push down the collarbone and compress the ribcage, resulting in an optical illusion of an elongated neck. This elongated appearance is highly valued within the Ndebele community, as it signifies grace and femininity. Wearing neck rings is a lifelong commitment for Ndebele women, and the number of rings worn indicates the social status and wealth of the individual. Generally, the number of rings increases with age, with married women wearing more rings than unmarried ones. The rings are often removed only during childbirth or medical emergencies. While the practice of wearing neck rings is rooted in tradition, it is essential to approach this custom with cultural sensitivity.

African neck rings before and after

Neck rings are an interesting fashion choice. Many cultures have a different standard of beauty, and while I can't quite identify why somebody would make the choice to wear neck rings I certainly respect their choice to do so. Neck rings are used to give the appearance of an elongated neck in many countries throughout Africa and Asia. I say 'give the appearance' because these neck rings don't actually stretch the neck. We will get into what is actually happening, as well as taking a look at the cultural significance of this fascinating practice.

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Although the wearing of neck-rings had been on the wane, with only a few hundred women retaining them, the Thai government ensured the survival of the custom by promoting the women as a lucrative tourist spectacle. While it might be shocking to look at to the uninitiated, the practice of wearing neck rings isn't dangerous in and of itself. Sample Block Quote Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Another legend claims that neck rings were used to make women less desirable to neighboring tribes and so they were less prone to be kidnapped. In a few African and Asian cultures , neck rings are worn usually to create the appearance that the neck has been stretched. Well, as stated the neck isn't actually being stretched by these rings. Maecenas ac est sit amet augue pharetra convallis nec danos dui. It was thought that the rings were separate and just added on top of one another but in fact the ornament is always just one long strip of polished metal, wound into spirals. If the rings are removed, however, that can present some serious problems.

However, one of the apparently most archaic forms of these modifications is wearing neck rings.

You have successfully subscribed! This article needs additional citations for verification. This email has been registered. Neck rings push the clavicle and ribs down. The belief is the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. As stated, it certainly isn't something that I would choose for myself or my significant other but I can appreciate their use. We will get into what is actually happening, as well as taking a look at the cultural significance of this fascinating practice. In their own homeland, Kayan women could be taken captive and loaned to Thai officials who took them across the border to be displayed at carnivals, county fairs, and "beauty contests". Another legend claims that neck rings were used to make women less desirable to neighboring tribes and so they were less prone to be kidnapped. Toggle limited content width. Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Older Post. Nowadays, they are worn to preserve cultural tradition. Of the two most notable types, one is the torc , an often heavy and valuable ornament normally open at the throat. Create An Account.