Long-Neck Women
The women wear long brass coils which are wound around their necks and may weigh more than 15 pounds. They also wear them around their legs. There are at least three theories concerning the origin of the coils: (1) the men wanted the women to look different so that men from other tribes would not pursue them; (2) it protected them from tigers which would often drag their victims by the neck; and (3) it makes the women look beautiful (through a translation provided by our guide).
Surprisingly, the coil causes the collarbones and rib cage to be depressed downward, which gives the appearance of the neck being pushed upward. The myth that removal of the coil causes death by strangulation due to the atrophy of the muscles holding the head upright is erroneous. The women often remove their brass coils to bathe and to adjust or exchange them for longer ones.
Surprisingly, the coil causes the collarbones and rib cage to be depressed downward, which gives the appearance of the neck being pushed upward. The myth that removal of the coil causes death by strangulation due to the atrophy of the muscles holding the head upright is erroneous. The women often remove their brass coils to bathe and to adjust or exchange them for longer ones.
Labels: hill tribes, long-necks
posted by Bob and Carol @ 8:17 AM
2 Comments:
All good reasons for the coils I guess. Any reason for the coils on the ladies wrist?
I can't even imagine wearing something like that!
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