Kayan Collection

Woman from Kayan tribe wearing traditional brass neck rings, near Loikaw District, Kayah State, Myanmar

Close-up portrait of senior Kayan woman wearing traditional brass neck rings, near Loikaw District, Kayah State, Myanmar

Man and woman of the Kayan mountain tribe, Cassay elite cavalryman of the Burmese imperial guard
FLO4624046 Man and woman of the Kayan mountain tribe, Cassay elite cavalryman of the Burmese imperial guard, and Burman peasant with sword and shield

Kayan people, Cassay cavalry and Birman peasant
Man and woman of the Kayan mountain tribe, Cassay elite cavalryman of the Burmese imperial guard, and Birman peasant with sword and shield

Women of the Padaung tribe, Burma, South East Asia
Women of the Padaung (Kayan Lahwi or Lahoi) tribe, Burma (now Myanmar), South East Asia. Two of them can be seen with brass coils round their necks

Kayan men in long house with skulls, Borneo, SE Asia
Kayan men sitting on the floor of a long house with war trophy skulls on display, Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire). Date: 1922

Kayan man with piglet and blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia
Young Kayan man who has just caught a piglet with a poison dart from his blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire). (6 of 6) Date: 1922

Kayan man preparing poison for blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia
Young Kayan man heating poison for use in his blowpipe over a fire, until it becomes a thick, dark paste, Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire)

Kayan man collecting poison for blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia
Young Kayan man collecting milky sap containing poison from an Ipoh tree for use in his blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire). (3 of 6) Date: 1922

Young Kayan man making a blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia
Young Kayan man shaping a piece of hard jagang wood to make a blowpipe, Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire). (1 of 6) Date: 1922

Two Kayan wrestlers of Borneo, SE Asia (then part of the British Empire) - a popular sport with the older boys and men of the tribe. 1922

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Myanmar, Shan State, Inle Lake, Woman with long neck from the Padaung tribe, Ywama village

Kayan women with neck and leg rings, Burma
Four Kayan women with brass neck and leg rings, Burma. Date: 1915

Women of the Burmese Kayan Lahwi tribe
Four women and a young baby from the Kayan Lahwi tribe, a group of the Karenni people of Burma (Myanmar). Women of the various Kayan tribes identify themselves by their different form of dress

Girl of Sarawak, Borneo
Kenyah-Kayan girl from Sarawak, Borneo Date: 1908

Padaung woman C016 / 2808
Portrait of a Padaung woman with neck rings, Myanmar

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The Kayan tribe, known for their unique traditions and cultural practices, captivates us with their fascinating way of life. In the Loikaw District of Burma, a woman from the Kayan tribe proudly showcases her heritage by wearing traditional brass neck rings. The close-up portrait reveals the wisdom and resilience etched on the face of a senior Kayan woman adorned with these intricate accessories. Burma is also home to other remarkable members of the Kayan community, including women who wear both neck and leg rings as symbols of beauty and tradition. These striking images offer a glimpse into their rich cultural tapestry. Beyond Burma's borders, in Borneo's SE Asia region, we encounter different aspects life. Men in longhouses display skulls as an emblematic representation of their history and prowess. Another image captures a man skillfully preparing poison for his blowpipe - an essential tool used for hunting in this lush jungle environment. Meanwhile, another photograph portrays a young Kayan man diligently crafting his own blowpipe - showcasing not only his craftsmanship but also his connection to nature and survival skills passed down through generations. Intriguingly, two Kayan wrestlers demonstrate physical strength intertwined with cultural pride - showcasing that athleticism knows no boundaries when it comes to preserving one's heritage. These glimpses into the lives of the Kayan people remind us that diversity is what makes our world so extraordinary. Their customs are woven intricately into every aspect of their existence – from adorning themselves with brass neck rings to mastering ancient techniques like blowpipe making or wrestling – all contributing to keeping alive centuries-old traditions that define them as proud members of this vibrant community.