The Best of Show

Photo Title : PALONG WOMAN
Location : Palong Village in Northern Thailand
Student Name : Alana Abernathy
Program : Kei/Mahidol University, Bangkok
Description : Northern Thailand is dotted with hill tribes, each offering a different set of customs and beliefs. While passing through a Palong village, I came across this elderly woman. She sat in the doorway of her house built on stilts, not saying a word. The sparkle in her eyes captured me immediately, telling of a person who has lived a life much different that I will ever know. Her teeth have been blackened by chewing beetle nuts, a custom in this tribe. Only later, and too late, did we realize that her outstretched hand was a request for our spare change.