Friday, August 14, 2009

Illustration Friday 081409 : Wrapped

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The 'long-neck women' of Burma and Thailand have adorned themselves with brass spirals that are wrapped around their necks, from the age of 5 or 6. While it makes for a striking appearance, and no doubt gives the women themselves some income as tourist attractions, the practice must surely affect their ability to function... not unlike some other 'cultural practices' to which girls and women have been subjected (female circumcision and foot-binding, anyone?). Sometimes, tradition has a lot to answer for.