© Steve Evans from India and USA, CC BY 2.0
The Kayaw tribe are one of the many hill tribes of Northern Thailand and Southern Myanmar. The women traditionally stretch their ears and they start the process at a surprisingly young age. The method they use is to gradually stretch the ear using flesh plugs and tunnels and small sticks are slowly inserted around the plugs. Eventually large silver ear tunnels are worn.
© Steve Evans from India and USA, CC BY 2.0
There are only around 15,000 Kayaw people left. All the women have stretched ears and wear traditional brightly coloured clothes, have leg rings and elaborate necklaces adorned with shells. Many of them only speak their tribal language. They have an animist culture and believe strongly in tree and nature spirits. They are a beautiful and friendly people who exude a calm and timeless vibe.
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