As part of the photo project I conducted at Jen’s House, I gave some students cameras as they visited the village of Ma Wah Kee during the time of a unity ceremony (also known as a string tying ceremony). Ni Ki, a student is from Ma Wah Kee who is currently in middle school (which runs from grade 7-9) was one of the students who participated in this project. Every time I have interacted with Ni ki, I really enjoy my time with her; she tries really hard to learn and is always ready with her sweet smile. She is pictured above with her parents.
I asked Ni Ki to take pictures of things that, to her, represented Karen culture and that she would want people in Canada to see. When I got the camera back (which she had shared with several other students) there were many, many pictures on it! With a small group of students we went through all her pictures and she chose three of her favorite pictures, and each of the other students (and Coleen and I) chose our one favorite image. The pictures, which give a wonderful glimpse into everyday Karen life, are presented below, that Ni Ki and the other students came up with.
Ni Ki’s favourite images
A bathroom with Karen homes in the background, A Karen toilet is small (not beautiful) at a Aunt’s house.
Niki’s sister’s garden where flowers and fruit, including mango and guava, grow.
Ni Ki with her mother and brother, who is 18.
Other students’ favourites of Ni Ki’s images
Pim’s (another student at Jen’s House) grandmother and her friend. They wear traditional Karen clothing and beads. The beads are worn because they are beautiful. This picture was taken at Ni ki’s brother’s house during the string tying ceremony, which occurs every year.
Taken during the unity, string tying ceremony, known as Kitheu. This is Ni Ki’s mother and grandfather.
Rice, pork and whisky – Karen foods eaten for the string tying ceremony. The strings used for the ceremony are near the food.
Bottom left, (Chu) to pound the rice and get the grain out. Picture with the moon.
The road into Ma Wah Kee.
Coleen and Amika’s favourites of Ni Ki’s images
A Thai food that has noodles, tomato and onion. It is a little spicy!
These chickens show that even though we may be done eating, there is still food left.