Both women are engaged in neck stretching practices. However, it is important to note that the woman on the left is indigenous to Thailand, while the woman on the right hails from Africa. This indicates that cultural practices have traversed from ancient African civilizations to other continents, including South and North America.
This connection leads to the discussion of American Indigenous peoples, whose cultural practices are rooted in African traditions rather than Siberian or Asian influences. Historical evidence suggests that Siberians who crossed the Bering Strait encountered Africans who were already present in those regions.
Previously, I shared an image of an indigenous tribe member from South America, who was seen wearing a lip plate—an adornment widely recognized as an African custom.
The women depicted in these images embody a culture that has remained unaffected by colonization, which often leads to the misconception that culture is strictly tied to geographical locations. In truth, African cultural elements are present across various continents. The fact that different races may adopt these practices today does not negate their African origins
Padaung Ring Neck Stretchers
A small group of women belonging to the Karen tribe are willing to stick their necks out and defend their tradition despite the fact that their bodily modification has caused heated debates and outcries of disapproval.
They are what the rest of the world refer to as the “giraffe ladies” or the “long necks”. They practice the art of “neck stretching”. I am not referring to part of a daily exercise routine where you stretch your neck muscles for a minute or to in order to relax. The Karen Padaung neck stretching involves permanent bodily modification which takes years to accomplish
Young Karen woman of the Paduang trip living in a village near Chiang Mai, Thailand
Image: Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens – Flckr
Image : Marina & Enrique – Flickr
