Why Do These Women Stretch Their Necks? | National Geographic | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Padang women in Thailand's refugee camps have practiced neck lengthening for centuries as a cultural marker, despite it being deemed illegal in their homeland of Myanmar.

Key Insights

• 👳‍♀️ The Padang women in Northwest Thailand practice neck lengthening by wearing brass coils, a tradition that has been carried out for centuries.
• 🥺 This practice was outlawed in their homeland of Myanmar, leading the Padang women to flee to Thailand and reside in refugee camps.
• 🙈 The neck lengthening tradition, once seen as an identifying marker, has now become a profitable attraction for Western tourists.
• 🧔‍♀️ For the Padang women, the neck lengthening practice is a vital part of their cultural identity and is willingly embraced by them.
• 🧔‍♀️ Removing the brass coils offers a transformative experience for the Padang women, but they ultimately choose to return to their traditional appearance.
• 🧔‍♀️ The Padang women's commitment to preserving their culture and customs is exemplified through their dedication to the neck lengthening tradition.
• 👩‍🎨 Despite the pain and discomfort involved, the Padang women view the neck lengthening practice as a requirement for belonging to their tribe.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How do Padang women achieve the appearance of elongated necks?

Padang women wear brass coils around their necks, which push down on their shoulders and chest, creating the illusion of a longer neck. The coils are added periodically, causing discomfort but symbolizing belonging to the tribe.

Q: Why were the neck lengthening traditions of the Padang women outlawed in Myanmar?

In 1962, the military government in Myanmar decided to modernize the country and crack down on tribal practices, deeming them primitive. One of these practices was the neck lengthening tradition, leading to its outlawing.

Q: Why do tourists visit the Padang women in refugee camps?

The Padang women in the refugee camps have drawn crowds of Western tourists who travel to witness their ancient traditions, including the neck lengthening practice. This has become a profitable way for the Padang women to support themselves.

Q: How do the Padang women feel when the brass coils are removed from their necks?

When the brass coils are removed, Padang women feel a sense of lightness and astonishment at the sight of their own necks. However, they eagerly embrace their tradition and return to wearing the coils, as it is their cultural identity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Padang women in Northwest Thailand wear brass coils around their necks to create the illusion of elongated necks, a cultural tradition passed down for generations.

• The coils are added to the shoulders and chest, pushing down and lowering the appearance of the neck, creating the elongated look.

• This practice was outlawed in Myanmar in 1962, leading Padang women to flee to Thailand, where they now reside in refugee camps.