Framed Hmong Ethnic Necklace, Silver-Plated Metal, 20th Century – Laos, Thailand Extraordinary and rarely seen ethnic necklace made of silver-plated metal, from Thailand. Recently framed in a large frame with floating glass. This piece represents 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 worn 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 related only 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 people in China, of whom the Hmong probably make up a third. The Miao people view textiles, clothing, and accessories as expressions of identity. Silver-plated materials and designs, such as this one, also serve a protective function, promoting the wearer's health and safety while presenting a dazzling display that delights the eye. The Miao have always been renowned silversmiths; their jewelry was often made from cast silver coins. Women therefore carried a part of the family heritage, thus proclaiming 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 infants, keeping 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 collectibles 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 adapt to different spaces. Type: Necklace Material: Silver-plated metal Period: 1950s Country of origin: Laos, Thailand Good condition according to its age and use Provenance: Private collection France Total dimensions: 80 x 80 x 10 cm. Necklace dimensions: 24 x 24 cm. Shipping of the product will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight, and destination. We will contact you to arrange it and agree on a quote. Shipping costs include custom-made professional packaging; and personalized shipping, with tracking number and warranty. The frame that protects the work is offered as a gift, but it has value in itself. It is provided at no additional cost so that when your artwork arrives at your home or destination, it can be displayed immediately. Any damage to the frame itself, which does not affect the integrity of the artwork, cannot be accepted as a valid reason to open a claim or request a cancellation. The buyer will be responsible for paying any import duties and associated taxes in the destination country. Please note the seller's disclaimer of liability regarding possible customs charges, as these are levied in the destination country, and the amount due is determined by that country's customs office. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the artwork to be exported.
fine
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsGrey, Black, SilverMaterialMetalNumber of items1Height80 cmWidth80 cm