Chin Paintings, a photo from Rakhine, South

Photographer's Note

Travelling to the north of Rakhine province, a day up-river brings us to the Chin villages. I had heard about the tatooed women but at first hesitant to go fearing something like the long-necks in thailand, i.e. a human zoo. But fortunately this was not the case - YET. Not many tourist venture in this region, so travelling and visiting the village was rewarding in itself, having the opportunity to talk to the older woman (via a translator) and to learn about their customs even moreso. The woman were still rather shy infront of the of the camera,but I fear all this will change if or rather when this area becomes more accessible to tourism.

This tattooing tradition started centuries ago, when Chin tribes begun tattooing young girl's faces to avoid them from being captured as slaves by other tribes. It was made illegal it the 1960's although the tradition continued in some more remote villages until the 80's. As soon as the girls entered the age of puberty, tattoo was applied onto her face the pattern of the tattoo being the one according to the tribe she belongs. The process of facial tattooing was very painful and dangerous. Some even died of infection. Nowadays you will only find the elder women of the village tattooed.

holmertz, frunchy, jugnutoor, Kofman, fritzi007, Wanda1, SnapRJW oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

korbee (6619) 2011-07-23 11:10

dear elaine,this portrait is full of caracter and expression it reminds me to the great portraitist steve mc curry good and sharp work!

jan

leo61 (0) 2011-07-23 11:14

Good evening Elaine!
I just saw this one at pf and I like this portrait a lot!
I`ve been two times to Mrauk U but never managed to visit the Chin villages north of it.
It`s an excellent portrait with fine details and a perfect tight framing.Thanks for the interesting note.
Have a great weekend,
leo

holmertz (92782) 2011-07-23 11:48

Hello Elaine,
She has a beautiful face with sad, or maybe just shy, eyes. This is an unusual portrait which along with your note has become an excellent contribution to TE. The soft light on her face and the sharpness are perfect.
Regards,
Gert

yquem46 (38752) 2011-07-23 11:49

Hi Elaine
maybe you could try to be the first to launch this make up fashion in Europe !?
Quite impressive and make us think how customs can be so different, even if we're living on the same planet
i take it as a lesson of modesty and tolerance
have a nice WE
Best regards
patrick

frunchy (1800) 2011-07-23 13:45

Hello elaine,

very strong portrait, really capturing the view! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the note.

Excellent work, regards, F.

jugnutoor (1017) 2011-07-24 0:16

Hi Elaine, That's the power of TE, experiencing cultures around the world. Nice portrait showing the details and that strange tattoo on the face of the lady, and good eye contact.

regards
Jugnu Toor

fritzi007 (14698) 2011-07-24 3:42

Hallo Elaine!
Wirklich ein Superpoträt, gratuliere!
Viele Grüße
Wolfgang

Wanda1 (15142) 2011-07-25 1:36

Hi Elaine,
A super interesting portrait. These markings are certainly unique and in the future we may not see them anymore once the generation dies out. Well documented, and there is something intense in her eyes and direct look. It really must have been a fascinating experience.
Regards
Wanda

SnapRJW (31631) 2011-07-25 4:11

Hello Elaine - You have presented a wonderful glimpse into the lives of another, unique culture. Your portrait of the woman is very moving, there is something in her eyes which really reaches out to the viewer; sadness, pleading? I am not sure but her expression just draws me in. An excellent image with an excellent note. Many thanks for opening up an unknown world to me. Warm regards Rosemary

bantonbuju (51815) 2011-10-06 13:12

a sheer beauty... i remember the days on TE when the photo like this one gathered 50 points in a day... we used to have real experts, here, then....

excellent, quiet, detailed, well blanced portrait...

best wishes, j.

ravinmb (1303) 2012-01-29 1:11

Hi Elaine,

A quick glance from your galary (still need to see others), I liked this one very much. A very sharp potrait and a beautiful expression, though I don't know whats on her mind. The eyes and the reflection is very nice and clear. I wonder it must have been difficult to tattoo her face. Now this is already my favourite.

Have a great Sunday.
Ravin