Indigenous Hill Tribe

There are altogether 5 different exotic hill tribes in Mae Hong Son namely the Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Lawa as well as the Hmong tribe. There are seven broad hill tribe groupings: Karen, Lahu, Hmong, Lisu, Akha and Mien. However, within these categories, there are sub-categories and clans that further divide the groups. Each hill tribe has its own customs, language, dress and spiritual beliefs and this is sometimes true even of the numerous sub-categories within one hill tribe. For example, the Green Hmong and White Hmong speak in different and distinct dialects costume, which they continue to wear daily.

• Karen hill tribe

The Karen hill tribe is one of the largest hill tribe with approximately 350,000 Karen living across Thailand. Ever heard of the “Giraffe” or “Long-neck” tribe? Yes, located in this small provincial town of Mae Hong Son, Nai Son holds the largest settlement of the Padaung people. The Padaung women are infamous for their long necks. They practice a bizarre custom of adorning brass rings on their necks hence creating an illusion that they have long necks. However, it is scientifically proven that the wearing of brass rings does not elongate one’s neck. Instead, the weight of the rings pushes down the collar bone, as well as the upper ribs, to such an angle that the collar bone actually appears to be a part of the neck. In addition, they also wear multiple rings on the arms and legs. So, you might me wondering how this customs come about. Let me tell you more about the origins of this custom.

• Origin
  

There are many different beliefs as to why these women practice this customs, the most rational being for aesthetic value. The people of Padaung felt that having an elongated neck is a sign of great beauty and wealth which will help them to attract better husbands in future. This beauty and grace of a long neck is further exemplified by the addition of heavy golden jewelry depicting both wealth as well as beauty.

Other mythology explains that it is done so to protect the tigers from biting them. Another belief is that the adorning of brass rings gives women a resemblance of a dragon which is an important figure in the Kayan folklore. Which belief sounds more convincing to you? Whatever the origin of the custom, one of the more common reasons why it continues today, is partially due to the tourism in Thailand.

Interested to find out how the Padang women look like without the brass rings around their neck? Click on HERE to find out more!