We met this woman at a refugee camp in the hills of northern Thailand, home to the Kayan people. We were struck at once by her calm, and by the quiet beauty of her presence. She showed us one of the brass rings that form the coils worn around the neck, and pressed one into Kirsty's hand to keep.

Contrary to what many assume, the coils do not stretch the neck. Their weight — as much as ten pounds — slowly presses the collarbone and ribs downward over the years. Their meaning is debated: some believe the coils once deterred abduction by rival tribes; to the Kayan themselves they signify beauty and status, and in folklore are said to lend a woman the grace of a dragon, a sacred figure in their culture.

This image, "Quiet Grace", was captured in Mae Hong Son, Thailand.

Made by us in our gallery. Each print is hand-finished on archival materials chosen to last.