Karen

Northern Thailand is home to interesting and colourful minority groups called hill tribes.

Most of the hill tribes have moved into the region during the past 100 years and have largely preserved their traditional ways, making them a fascinating cultural study.

There are seven broad hill tribe groupings: Karen, Lahu, Hmong, Lisu, Akha and Mien. Each has its own customs, language, dress and spiritual beliefs

Karen is the largest of the minority groups. There are three main sub-groups within the Karen, White Karen or Sgaw, Black Karen or Pgo and Red Karen or Kayah.

The Karen wear woven v-neck tunics of various natural colours and turbans. Unmarried women wear distinctive long white v-neck tunics.

This is one of the four Northern Thailand Hill Tribes magnet collectibles bought during my visit to Chiengmai in 2009.