Karen

I took these pictures of Karen womenfolk in northern Thailand back in April 2011 and rediscovered them when reviewing old photo folders last night. In the Karen culture - the unnatural elongation of women's necks through the addition of brass rings is considered somehow beautiful or admirable. Most Karen or Kayan people in northern Thailand are refugees from Burma. Interestingly, it's only the women who wear neck rings - never the men. Does that sound familiar? Of course I gave these women money. They needed it. As refugees, they have few other options. The necks are not actually stretched. Apparently, that's just an illusion. The weight of the rings presses down upon their upper chests and collar bones.