Wearing neck rings is a tradition passed down for generations in the Ndebele and Kayan Lahwi tribes. While there are some concerns about the health risks associated with wearing the rings. The practice is still seen as a way to preserve cultural identity and beauty.
Cultures worldwide embrace distinct beauty ideals. From wearing expansive lip plates to achieving elongated skulls, these diverse communities value their unique beauty standards as integral elements of their cultural heritage. One such tradition is the utilization of neck rings to create the illusion of an elongated neck. This practice, in existence since the 11th century, persists among communities in Africa and Asia. Enduring the test of time despite the forces of modernization.
We don’t know exactly why the Ndebele and Kayan Lahwi tribes wear neckrings, but there are some ideas:
- To stay safe from evil spirits: Both tribes believe in spirits, and the neck rings might help keep bad spirits away.
- To show they have money and are important: These tribes usually farm for a living, so wearing neck rings could be a way to show off that they’re well-off.
- To look more beautiful: Both tribes think that neckrings make women look prettier.
Nowadays, some people argue about whether it’s okay to keep wearing neck rings. Some say they could hurt women’s health, while others say it’s a part of their culture that should be saved. In the end, each woman gets to choose if she wants to wear neck rings or not.
Ndebele Tribe
Ndebele neck rings are worn by women from the Ndebele group in South Africa. These rings are crafted from brass or copper and are stacked in groups of three. People wear them to show they have a lot of money and are important, and they believe the rings keep bad spirits away. Girls usually start wearing these rings when they are about 10 years old.
As they grow up, they wear more rings. These rings can be quite heavy, up to 15 pounds, and they press on the neck and collarbone. But the Ndebele think they’re beautiful and make women look more attractive. These neckrings are custom-made for each woman, and once they’re put on, they stay on for life.
Kayan Lahwi Tribe
Kayan Lahwi neck rings are worn by women in the Kayan Lahwi tribe in Myanmar (Burma). These rings are made of brass and are shaped like spirals. Girls start wearing them when they are young, usually with just one ring. As they get older, they add more rings, and sometimes they wear up to 25 rings.
These rings can be really heavy, up to 30 pounds. People believe they protect the wearer from tigers and bad spirits. They are also a sign of beauty and importance. These neck rings are about 1 inch wide and are worn in one layer.