Pre-research Perception

Before embarking on research, my impression of Maehongson, the place where the Karen-Padaung reside, is that it is a highly unsophisticated village which resembles the ‘kampongs’ Singapore used to have. Maehongson would be a patriarchal society where women are submissive and have no voice of their own. At the same time, there is social order and a culture which is very rich and unique – the Karen-Padaung would be traditional people who esteem and respect their ethnicity very much.

Karen-Padaung Village in Maehongson

Representation of Maehongson’s Culture

Though Maehongson has much to offer as a site of cultural manifestation and is the residence of many hill-tribes, this northern province of Thailand (Bangkoksite.com, 2009) can be symbolized by the women of the Karen-Padaung indigenous tribe.

The Karen-Padaung women, also known as the ‘Long-Necks’ or ‘Giraffes’ (Graceffo, 2008), are dressed up modestly in their traditional costumes, and wear heavy brass rings on their neck and forelimbs which bear the mark of “beauty and family prosperity” (AsiaTravelTV, N.D.), making them local celebrities amongst tourists.

Brass Coils - Padaung Women's Prized Possessions

Culture and Traditions of Karen-Padaung

The ‘Long-Necks’ Karen-Padaungs’ culture and traditions are easily associated with their brass rings. Prominent and aesthetically alluring, these brass rings worn on their necks and fore limbs represent feminine beauty, “family prosperity” (AsiaTravelTV, N.D.), and wealth. (Waddington, 2002)

Padaung girls wear their first rings at the young age of 5-6 years old, and their necks “grow longer as additional rings are added with each passing year”. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) Looking deeper into the origins of this practice, it is reported as an effort by the Karen-Padaungs to “preserve their culture” while they had been banished from Burma many generations ago. In remembrance of their tribal struggles and ancestors who had fought so hard against death, this ring-wearing tradition had been passed down till today. (Ascension, N.A.) It is also interesting to note that should a woman commit adultery, her rings will be removed so that with her neck “weakened by years of not supporting the neck, she must spend the rest of her life lying down.” (Waddington, 2002)

Apart from ring-wearing, the Karen-Padaungs also have a custom of wearing “carved elephant tusks in their ears”. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) This is applicable only for married women. As for unmarried ladies, they wear white dresses called ‘hses’ (Karens, 2000) instead of the hand-embroided colorful blouses that married women are seen wearing. (Waddington, 2002)

Authenticity of Culture – Viewpoint of a Tourist

Maehongsan is definitely culturally authentic to its visitors. Showcasing its Karen-Padaung with their brass rings which had caused their ribs to be pushed down to achieve the elongated-neck appearance (Marshall, 1922), such outcomes could only have been possible by the daily wearing of the heavy rings that weigh up to 37kg over many years. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) There is really no way to fake such physical realism, and tourists are aware because brochures containing such information are shown to them in the villages. (Siegel2001, 2009)

Also, the living quarters of the Karen-Padaung are on full display in the villages. There are no other local lodges near enough that they could possibly be the Padaungs’ real homes instead. Tourists can even go beyond the façade of these houses and into the interiors to take a look at their way of living (Morgan, N.D.)

Therefore, tourists would undoubtedly find Maehongson a place of authentic cultural value.