During a trip through Myanmar we visited the tattooed women in the area around Mindat. These women used to get tattooed in the face because the area used to be known for its beautiful women. The king also heard this and since then he came every year to get the most beautiful women to add to his harem, but he never brought them back. The population thought of a trick and tattooed the faces of the women so that the interest of the king disappeared. Since some time it is forbidden to tattoo women and it is mainly the older women who have tattoos. In the really old women is the whole face under the decorations so you do not really see "normal" skin. The younger women have real patterns in their faces. These patterns are not always easy to see because the tattoos were never touched up after they were placed and because the women already have a tanned skin. We found it impressive to meet and photograph these women, especially since this tradition is, literally, dying out.
I am Antwan Janssen, travel and nature photographer from Uden. During my many travels on this globe I try to capture all the beauty on photo. As you can see on this site my preference goes to landscapes, wildlife but also to the local population, mostly abroad.. Read more…