Thailand

Nomads from generation to generation, the Karen only move when necessary for their survival. Depletion of underground resources, climatic hazards, disturbances to peace and security, etc. In tune with nature, they mainly live off agriculture, hunting, and craftsmanship. Curtains fall on this fascinating tribe in the land of smiles.

Origin of the tribe

Originating from Mongolia, the Karen occupied northern Myanmar more than 700 years before the birth of Christ. They are a proud tribe of hunters and gatherers. The ethnicity is subdivided into three main communities: the Sgaw, the Pwo, and the Bwe. The most well-known subgroups are the Padaung, the Pa'O, and the Kayah. According to recent censuses, there are more than 4,000,000 souls belonging to the same clan. Karen is their common dialect, a variant of the Tibeto-Burman language.

Today, an oppressed minority

The majority of Karens still live in Myanmar. In conflict with the natives of the country since 1950, the Karens of Myanmar have been clamoring for independence for about fifty years. Proud and courageous, patriotic rebels fight for the freedom of their people, but so far in vain. In several Karen villages in Myanmar, peace has left homes to make way for bloody clashes against the Burmese. A true humanitarian tragedy.

Location in Thailand

Karen migrations began in Siam from the 17th century onward. And this is far from stopping, given the current situation.

Part of the Karen tribe lives secluded in the mountainous massifs of northwest Thailand. They are a minority in the country but still occupy the 15 provinces between Chiang Rai and the Kra Isthmus. Driven by wars, they have chosen the land of smiles as their new homeland for the peaceful life that prevails there. Members of this tribe particularly favor high-altitude regions near water sources. They seek arable land for rice or maize cultivation and a niche of sweetness where life is good.

How to recognize a Karen woman?

In addition to embroidered cotton clothes, Padaung ladies and girls wear a strange accessory around their necks. It's a spiral copper collar. This adornment has an aesthetic purpose. It elongates the necks of those who wear it. Girls of the clan wear them from the age of 5. Deemed harmless for the wearer, this tool exerts pressure on the ribs, which are then lowered. It is only removed for maintenance, illness of the wearer, or to add coils to the collar. A genuine beauty accessory, this collar is associated with feminine charm. In the eyes of the male members of the tribe, those adorned with this accessory are irresistible. Nicknamed giraffe women, the Padaung are very elegant and know how to highlight their charms through this unusual ornament.

Kayah wives and marriageable daughters from Myanmar are recognizable by their red-striped scarves. They are called elephant women because of the brass and cotton rings they wear on their legs.

Customs of the Clan

Originally animists, the Karen are increasingly attracted to Christianity and Buddhism. However, shamanic beliefs are predominant in each tribe. They govern society's life in addition to stories, educational songs, and dances passed down by the elders.

Housed in bamboo houses on stilts, these nomadic people are pioneers of ecology. The Karen associate spirits with plants and animals that must be respected. Nature is sacred. Many hamlets prohibit pig and poultry farming. Only hunting for small game is allowed.

The clan is known throughout Asia for its exceptional elephant trainers. There is a perfect chemistry between the elephants and these innate animal trainers.

In every home, betel is chewed throughout the day. It is said that its consistency is similar to that of chewing gum. For villagers, it is an ideal pick-me-up to ensure they have enough energy for the day's tasks. While men are busy working in the fields and hunting, women weave clothes, pick fruits, and prepare meals.