13. Neck Rings of the Kayan People
Among the Kayan women of Myanmar and Thailand, wearing brass neck rings is a striking cultural tradition. Over the years, the rings gradually elongate the neck, symbolizing beauty and identity within the community. Outsiders are often both fascinated and puzzled by this visual transformation, sometimes misinterpreting it as harmful or restrictive. For the Kayan, however, the rings are a cherished marker of heritage and pride. Read more at Smithsonian Magazine.
