Asian Curiosities in London: Retro Shots of Giraffe Women from the Early 20th Century
Asian Curiosities in London: Retro Shots of Giraffe Women from the Early 20th Century

Video: Asian Curiosities in London: Retro Shots of Giraffe Women from the Early 20th Century

Video: Asian Curiosities in London: Retro Shots of Giraffe Women from the Early 20th Century
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The giraffe women are playing cards
The giraffe women are playing cards

At the beginning of the 20th century, the circus of a certain Bertram Mills (Bertram mills), in which, among other "curiosities", one could see small women with unusually long necks, "chained" in shiny rings. Residents from distant Burma took part in performances for the amusement of the public. The archives have preserved very curious photographs in which women-"giraffes" looked very colorful while in London in 1935.

Retro shots of Padaung women in London, 1935
Retro shots of Padaung women in London, 1935

In Myanmar (formerly Burma) there is a small tribe Padaung (padaung), whose women are distinguished by their necks of incredible length with copper rings worn on them. Girls begin to wear these spirals from the age of five, increasing their number every year. By adulthood, the number of spirals can reach several dozen, and their weight is approximately 4-5 kg. Looking at the pictures, it's hard to believe that the neck can stretch to such a size.

The policeman points the way to women with long necks
The policeman points the way to women with long necks
Women with long necks beckon the audience to a circus performance. London, 1935
Women with long necks beckon the audience to a circus performance. London, 1935

In fact, the length of the neck of these women is the same as that of everyone else. It's just that from wearing heavy rings for many years, their chest and collarbones are deformed. Therefore, the illusion of an unrealistically long neck is created.

Padaung women watch a sentry outside Buckingham Palace
Padaung women watch a sentry outside Buckingham Palace

Many people argue about the origin of this strange custom. Some believe that women with long necks were not of interest to slave traders, while others argue that in this way the inhabitants managed to survive from the attack of tigers, which, as you know, grab by the throat. But the most popular version is that the long neck of the fair sex is an undoubted sign of beauty.

A Padaung woman under the supervision of London doctors
A Padaung woman under the supervision of London doctors

Be that as it may, but modern tourists pay money and go to gaze at the amazing women-"giraffes", just like a hundred years ago.

A woman with an unusually long neck and her newborn baby
A woman with an unusually long neck and her newborn baby

Rings, of course, bring discomfort to women, but it is no comparison. with 6 of the most severe tests, which women from different countries of the world go to for the sake of beauty.

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