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Hmong ethnic framed necklace, silver plated metal, Laos, Thailand

About the Item

One of a kind and rarely seen ethnic necklace made of silver-plated metal, from Thailand. Recently framed in a large frame with floating glass. This is a piece that presents the essence of exoticism and sophistication that characterizes the countries of the East. It comes from Laos or Thailand, specifically from a subgroup of the Miao people, the Hmong. Composed of 10 semicircles, in the style of ceremonial necklaces. This type of necklace was often used for weddings and probably dates from the second half of the 20th century, around 1950. The Miao are an ethnic minority found mainly at the intersection of northern Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and China. Miao is the official term for four distinct groups of people who are only related through language or culture: the Hmu people, the Qo Xiong people, the A-Hmao people and the Hmong people. There are about nine million Miao in China, of whom the Hmong probably make up one third. The Miao people regard textiles, clothing and accessories as expressions of identity. Silver material and designs, such as this one, also serve a protective function, promoting the health and safety of the wearer, while presenting a dazzling display that delights the eye. The Miao have always been renowned silversmiths, their jewelry was often made from melted silver coins. Thus, women carried a part of the family heritage and thus proclaimed their social status. Today, most jewelry is made from an alloy of various metals, including silver-plated copper and zinc. Miao families begin collecting silver jewelry for their daughters when they are babies, and keep it in a special wooden box in anticipation of their wedding day, when they display their finest finery for the entire village. A wedding outfit often includes several exquisitely designed silver necklaces that represent beauty, wealth and dignity and are believed to ward off evil. Jewelry is passed down from generation to generation. These ethnic pieces had a place in the French collector's market because French silver coins were often melted down to make necklaces or repair existing ones. In addition, there are some smaller communities in French Guiana, an overseas region of France. This piece of folk art can be perfect to fit into different spaces. Technical data Type: Necklace Material: Silver-plated metal Period: 1950s Country of origin: Laos, Thailand Good condition for its age and use Origin: Private collection, France Overall dimensions: 80 x 80 x 10 cm. Necklace dimensions: 24 x 24 cm.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
  • Style:
    Aesthetic Movement (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Metal,Silver Leaf,Wood,Hand-Crafted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Valladolid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2943343505292

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