What African cultures wear neck rings?

The South Ndebele peoples of Africa also wear neck rings as part of their traditional dress and as a sign of wealth and status. Only married women are allowed to wear the rings, called dzilla.

Why do Karen people wear neck rings?

Several Karen tribe women were killed by tigers far back in the past. So the leader of the tribe decided to have women wear these brass neck rings to protect their tribe from extinction. As per tradition, the more neck rings a woman carries on her neck, the more beautiful she is.

How do African neck rings work?

A wider coil is worn near the shoulders with a small coil wrapped around it at 90 degrees, then the remaining neck rings climb up to right below the earlobes. The neck never stretches. The weight of the rings pushes downwards, collapsing the collar bones; as a result, the upper ribs also bear this downward pressure.

What does a neck ring signify?

Neck Rings Symbolized Wealth For others, they are a symbol of the faithfulness of a wife to her husband. They are also viewed as a fashion accessory, and the gracefully long neck is seen as beautiful and desirable.

Who is giraffe woman?

Sydney Smith, 30, from Los Angeles, California, who calls herself ‘the giraffe woman’, wanted to be known around the world for her long neck.

Why do Kayan people wear rings?

Kayan women, when asked, acknowledge these ideas, and often say that their purpose for wearing the rings is cultural identity (one associated with beauty). The coil, once on, is seldom removed, as the coiling and uncoiling is a lengthy procedure. It is usually only removed to be replaced by a new or longer coil.

Who has the longest human neck?

The longest human necks are found among the women of the Padaung (or Kayan) tribe, who live in the highlands of northwestern Thailand and southeastern Myanmar. Padaung women bind their necks with heavy brass rings that alter the shape of the neck and shoulders.

Do neck rings increase height?

Contrary to popular belief, the use of neck rings doesn’t really make the wearer’s neck longer, but it does give the illusion of length. The rings actually push the collar bone and ribs down, making the neck look longer. If attempts were made to truly lengthen the neck by stretching it, serious damage can be done.

Why do people have neck rings?

Among the Kayan tribe the ancient custom of wearing neck rings for life is on the decline. Curiously, the Kayan say this custom was originally established to make women less attractive, thereby protecting them from being kidnapped by rival tribes. Nowadays, they are worn to preserve cultural tradition.