A woman from the Karen ethnic group is seen in one of the villages of Chiang Rai, Thailand, wearing the distinctive brass rings that have long been a symbol of her culture on November 20, 2024. Known for having the longest necks in the world, Karen women wear an average of 20 rings, which can weigh up to 10 kilograms throughout their lives. Over time, these heavy rings gradually push the shoulders downward, altering the shape of the body and stretching the neck up to three times its normal length. This striking physical transformation is not just a tradition but also a marker of identity and heritage for the Karen people. (Photo by Harun Ozalp/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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