The tradition tells that Chin women were the most beautiful of the kingdom and that the kings would raid the region to capture Chin Women. The women got tattooed to look ugly. The face tattoos were banned by the Junta in an effort of nation unification by suppressing any culture other than Burmese.
Seven tribes have each a distinctive face tattoo. I have documented 6 of them. The tattooed women enjoy a highly respected status in their community.