A thousand year old tradition sees the women of Chin tribes tattoo their faces with intricate markings.
Chin State is one of the poorest and most isolated regions in Burma.
Michael Biach / Via michaelbiach.wordpress.com
Nearly 75% of its 500,000 population live a life of poverty and are mostly cut off from the more successful Burmese regimes in Rangoon or Naypyidaw.
Michael Biach / Via michaelbiach.wordpress.com
There are reports of up to 12 Chin tribes that practice the art of facial tattooing, even after the Burmese government officially forbade it in 1960.
Michael Biach / Via michaelbiach.wordpress.com
Local understanding is that Chin State tribes began tattooing the faces of women as a way of disfiguring their beauty.
The intended purpose being to stop rival tribes and other figures from kidnapping them.
Michael Biach / Via michaelbiach.wordpress.com
