David’s Insight on “Tribal Beauty"
High in the mountains of Northern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar, some of the remaining members of the Long Neck Tribe can be found. This farming culture is slowly fading away and Masu is likely the last woman of her family to practice this custom of tribal beauty. Starting at age 5, metal loops weighing approximately 5kg are added, depressing the shoulders and giving the illusion of a longer neck. Long necks are considered beautiful, and the goal is as many rings as possible. She weaves a scarf a day in addition to caring for the children, preparing meals on an open fire and tending to her home. This is an iconic environmental portrait of a disappearing culture.