Female giraffes: why do they wear rings on their neck, and what happens if they are removed

In the highlands of Southeast Asia, an interesting Padaung (or Kayan) people live. Padaung girls from the age of 5 wear copper spirals around their necks. First, a spiral of six rings is put on the neck, and then each year their number is increased by one. By the time of marriage, the number of rings reaches its maximum, and after the wedding, as a rule, they are not added. At the same time, the woman’s neck is stretched, which sometimes leads to an increase in her length to 40 centimeters. Due to their exotic appearance, women giraffes began to call them, and their areas of residence are very popular with tourists.

Padaung live in the border areas of Thailand and Myanmar, and their number is more than 50,000 people. The traditional occupation of the Padaung people is growing rice and raising livestock. The custom of wearing copper spirals around the neck goes back to ancient times. In each settlement there are women who know the art of donning rings. As soon as the girl turns 5 years old, she puts on her first rings.

In the future, the number of rings increases, and sometimes the design is so high and uncomfortable that it fetters movement and it is difficult for girls to turn or tilt their heads. In addition to the rings on the neck, women wear rings on their arms and legs, and their national costume is complemented by a white shirt decorated with braid.

Tourists are told that the custom of wearing rings is associated with specific representations of the Padaung tribe about beauty. The long neck is considered a symbol of well-being and beauty. But such a custom has a more practical explanation.

According to another version, such rings served to identify women of the tribe. The fact is that in this region the thefts of girls by neighboring peoples flourished, as well as unauthorized flight. Therefore, Padaung came up with such an original way to protect their beauties from the encroachments of their neighbors. After all, the rings cannot be removed without special skills and adaptations, and men who set off in search of the men will easily find the Padaung girl. And even if they are removed, the girl’s longer neck will be noticeable, which will immediately cause suspicion.

According to doctors, wearing ordinary spirals does not adversely affect women's health. But sometimes spirals are specially made too high. In this case, a greater effect is achieved and the neck becomes very long. But at the same time the mobility of the head is impeded, and the muscles designed to provide this mobility atrophy. If such women remove the rings, then a neck fracture can occur.

Today, not all Padaung women want to wear rings that were worn on them as a child. Some take them off and then do fine without spirals. But in some villages in Thailand, the custom of wearing rings is considered not only a sign of beauty, but also a way of earning. Tourists who come to Padaung settlements are happy to buy souvenirs and clothes, and also take pictures with amazing long-necked women.