These women belong to the Padaung ethnic group and have elongated necks up to 20 cm in length. They achieve this through massages and the incorporation of a series of brass or copper rings around their necks.

The Padaung live in the state of Kayah, in Myanmar, near the border with Thailand. It is believed that originally, the purpose of these rings was protection against carnivore attacks, which usually killed their prey by biting their throats.

The necklaces were considered jewelry. The longer they were, the more attractive the woman was, as besides highlighting the beauty of the wearer, it was proof that she came from a wealthy family, in the past, all women wore gold on their necks.

Today, there are about 120 Kayan women who wear full necklaces, as well as rings on their hands and feet. Many younger women only wear some necklaces, as they are reluctant to carry more than ten kilos of ornaments for the rest of their lives.