Vintage or antique pre-1960s pure silver Hmong Hill Tribal people "Spirit Lock" or "Soul Lock" Necklace.
Beautiful authentic patina. Hand made pure silver, pre-1960's, actual year unknown. Approximately 30 oz. From Laos, Thailand, Burma, Myanmar, Vietnam, China.
This necklace is a particularly elaborate example from the Hmong people of the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ region of northern Thailand, Laos and north-eastern Burma. It is of almost pure silver.
The necklace is in fine condition with expected pressure wear to the supporting loops.
It comprises a heavy, solid silver, twisted torque from which multiple silver chains and dangles are suspended. Among the profusion and three engraved, rectangular pendants known as ‘soul locks’, which were worn to keep the soul inside the body during illness.
Less elaborate examples are illustrated in Beringen (2006, p. 149) and Lewis (1994, p. 52).
The Hmong and are ethnic minority whose origins are in southern China. They are a subgroup of the Miao, a wider minority. The Hmong most likely responsible for the necklace here are likely to be those of northern Thailand, whose numbers currently are around 250,000.
The Hmong were known for the colorful textiles and the large items of silver jewelry worn by their womenfolk. The jewelry was a form of portable wealth suitable for a minority with insecure tenure over their lands.