Why do Africans put rings on their neck?
In a few African and Asian cultures neck rings are worn usually to create the appearance that the neck has been stretched. The custom of wearing neck rings is related to an ideal of beauty: an elongated neck. Neck rings push the clavicle and ribs down.
Where in Africa do they wear neck rings?
In South Africa, the Ndebele people believe that wearing neck rings elongates their necks and make them beautiful. These neck rings are gold and brass coils worn around the neck of women. It is worn to have longer necks.
What is the purpose of neck elongation?
Despite the name, neck elongation does not make the neck any longer. Instead, the weight of the coils pushes down, making the neck appear longer. The rings press down on the collarbones and, in turn, the ribcage, compressing them.
What cultures wear neck rings?
Pan Pat, Myanmar – Women of the Kayan tribe in Myanmar are well known for wearing brass coils around their necks their entire lives in order to lengthen it. The belief is the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. The cultural practice does have its drawbacks.
What does a neck ring signify?
Neck Rings Symbolized Wealth For others, they are a symbol of the faithfulness of a wife to her husband. They are also viewed as a fashion accessory, and the gracefully long neck is seen as beautiful and desirable.
Why do Kayan people wear rings?
Women of the Kayan Lahwi tribe are well known for wearing neck rings, brass coils that are placed around the neck, appearing to lengthen it. Anthropologists have hypothesized that the rings protected women from becoming slaves, making them less attractive to other tribes.
Are neck rings real?
Most so-called “neck rings” are not really rings at all. Instead, they are coils of brass or gold alloys. As the neck is extended, the old coil is removed and a new, longer one is added. The neck rings can weigh as much as 20 lbs.
Where does neck stretching take place in Africa?
African neck stretching does not occur in Africa, rather neck stretching occurs among the Kayan and Karen tribes in Burma and Thailand. However, the use of neck rings or necklaces by African tribe women may give the illusion of neck stretching.
Why do African people wear rings around their necks?
However, many African tribes still wear various types of rings and beads around their necks that can give the appearance of stretching the neck. In many African cultures, the amount of beads worn is a measure of wealth and social status.
What kind of rings do women in South Africa wear?
In the Ndebele tribe of South Africa, the ladies not only wear these rings on their neck, but also around their legs and arms. The rings are usually made of copper and brass.
What kind of rings do Ndebele women wear?
For centuries, married South African Ndebele tribes’ women saw wearing heavy rings around their neck as an honored status symbol. Neck rings are any form of stiff necklaces worn around the neck of an individual. The neck rings are usually made of copper or brass.