- Joined
- May 17, 2006
- Messages
- 4,290
Ive seen pictures of them, heard stories about them, but until now hadnt been able to experience them for myself. I have been traveling around Southeast Asia for a few weeks and when my trip to Cambodia got derailed, I decided to see Chiang Mai, Thailand and visit the Karen Hill Tribe.
There are many people who feel it is wrong to see them and that it is a human zoo. There are many websites listing the pros and cons of such a visit, but in the end, it is up to you. They were also featured on the National Geographics channel.
The Padaung escaped from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in the mid to late 1900's and are actually refugees of a political turmoil. They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are still fighting for their independence in Burma (Myanmar).
The Padaung women famously wear brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and makes them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.
The Padaung people in Thailand are either refugees or economic migrants depending on who you ask.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL8ARB5FmsA&feature=player_embedded
Street and trekking gear
It is pretty hard to take a picture of yourself on an elephant and it actually look like you are on an elephant. Hopefully these show it.
And the people
Giving a slingshot demonstration
She was my favorite; she had a good sense of humor and just laughed at me the whole time.
A nearby waterfall
The forest
There are many people who feel it is wrong to see them and that it is a human zoo. There are many websites listing the pros and cons of such a visit, but in the end, it is up to you. They were also featured on the National Geographics channel.
The Padaung escaped from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in the mid to late 1900's and are actually refugees of a political turmoil. They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are still fighting for their independence in Burma (Myanmar).
The Padaung women famously wear brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and makes them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.
The Padaung people in Thailand are either refugees or economic migrants depending on who you ask.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL8ARB5FmsA&feature=player_embedded
Street and trekking gear
It is pretty hard to take a picture of yourself on an elephant and it actually look like you are on an elephant. Hopefully these show it.
And the people
Giving a slingshot demonstration
She was my favorite; she had a good sense of humor and just laughed at me the whole time.
A nearby waterfall
The forest
:thumbup:
