Long Neck Woman Canvas Print

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Kayan long neck women wear the rings from childhood, starting with four or five, and adding more annually as they acclimate to the increased weight. Coils weighing up to 25 pounds depress the chest and shoulders. This creates the illusion of disembodied head hovering over a shimmering pedestal of gold rings. Contrary to popular belief, the coils don't lengthen the neck itself and thus can be removed without the neck snapping. Yet, women still wear these coils year round with few exceptions, even while sleeping.

The origin of the tradition mystifies even the Kayans. An ancient legend claims rings protected villagers from tiger attacks, since the cats attack victims at the neck. Another theory said the rings helped ward off men from rival tribes by lessening the women's beauty. Today, people believe the opposite the longer their neck, the more beautiful the woman and Kayans wear the golden coils as an accessory. According to the Silent Hopes documentary, some women enjoy uphold...

Maria Coulson is a freelance photographer, former civil engineering faculty administrator, and graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. All proceeds from the sale of all photographs go to help orphaned and abandoned children in Colombia South America. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All photographs on this web site are fully protected by U.S. and international copyright laws, all rights reserved. The images may not be reproduced, manipulated or used in any way, without written permission. For licensing information please visit http://licensing.pixels.com/profiles/maria-coulson.html