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Large hand-painted portrait - Kayan woman with long neck
The giraffe woman Painting by Frank Wagtmans
SPECIFICATIONS
Series: World Portraits
Title: Kayan Woman
Artist: © Frank Wagtmans
Technique: Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Materials: Gesso, Acrylic Paint, Varnish
Carrier: 100% linen canvas of 430g/m² and medium structure on a stretcher frame of FSC wood. The canvas has a 3-layer primer and is universally prepared. The canvas is stretched along the back. Sides are painted along. No frame needed.
Varnish: High gloss with UV filter
Orientation: Vertical
Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 200 x 150 x 4 cm (78.74 x 59.06 x 1.57 inch)
Exclusive: Only one copy exists
Painting process: 6 weeks
Price: On Request
Availability: Available
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
In this grand portrait, spanning a canvas of 200x150 cm, a traditional Kayan woman adorned with neck rings takes center stage. A fully hand-painted masterpiece, the artwork is meticulously crafted, incorporating strategic thick paint textures, creating a tactile and visually captivating experience. Constructed from numerous layers of acrylic paint, the canvas boasts a rich spectrum of colors, bringing the Kayan woman to life with vibrancy and depth.
The focal point of the painting is the Kayan woman, her neck adorned with rings, a practice deeply embedded in the cultural tapestry of the Kayan people. The intricacies of her facial features are brought to life with each brushstroke, capturing the essence of her identity and heritage. The thick paint structures, carefully applied, add a tactile quality to the portrait, allowing the viewer to almost feel the cultural significance imbued in the artwork.
The Kayan people, also known as the "Long Neck Karen," are an indigenous ethnic group residing in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Thailand. One of their distinctive cultural practices is the tradition of neck elongation, achieved through the wearing of brass coils around the neck. This practice starts in childhood, with additional rings added as the individual ages, gradually elongating the neck.
For the Kayan, the neck rings are more than a form of body modification; they are symbols of beauty, identity, and cultural heritage. Contrary to popular belief, the appearance of an elongated neck is not due to the compression of the collarbone but rather the lowering of the shoulders. The practice is deeply intertwined with their sense of self and community, with each coil representing a rite of passage and a connection to ancestral traditions.
Beyond the distinctive neck rings, the Kayan people are known for their rich traditions in weaving, music, dance, and oral storytelling. Their cultural practices are rooted in a deep connection to nature and a profound sense of community. The patterns and colors in their traditional clothing often carry symbolic meanings, reflecting their beliefs and values.
In your painting, the Kayan woman becomes a living testament to the resilience and beauty of her culture. The canvas not only captures her individuality but also serves as a window into the intricate traditions and the timeless beauty of the Kayan people. The layers of paint mirror the layers of culture and history that make the Kayan community a vibrant and enduring part of our global heritage.
Exclusive painting of a Kayan giraffe woman completely hand painted by Frank Wagtmans.
SPECIAL FEATURES
High quality materials used
Easy to hang: Framing is not necessary
Acrylic varnish protects the beauty of this work
Canvas without frame
The sides of the artwork are also painted
Personally signed by the artist
The painting process
KAYAN TRIBE
Origin of the Kayan
The inhabitants of Kayan are found in Burma's largest city, Shan. They belong to the Red Karen ethnic minority group. In the late 1980s and early 1980s, they faced problems with Burma's military regime. This led to their flight to Thailand. Within the minority group there are several other groups like Kayan Lahwi, Kayan ka Khouang. Kayan Letha, etc. The best known group is Kayan Lahwi. Known for the tradition of the elongated neck and copper rings.
Mystery behind copper rings worn by the Kayan women
From the age of five, the Kayan women start wearing copper rings. The tradition is most common in Kayan Lahwi or women from Padong. With advancing age, the number of rings increases. Over time, the rings become an integral part of the body and women hardly remove them. They believe that it would be wrong to remove the rings. Only when longer spirals are needed or bruises on the collarbone have to be treated, the neck rings are removed.
Myths behind the Kayans wearing copper rings
There are few myths explaining why the Kayan women wear those rings around the neckline. It is said to have to do with:
Sign of both wealth and beauty,
Armour to prevent tiger bites,
To prevent them from appearing attractive to men from other ethnic groups.
Large hand-painted portrait - Kayan woman by Frank Wagtmans
Video: Making a painting by Frank Wagtmans
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