Framed Necklace in Silver Plated Metal

Framed Hmong ethnic necklace, Silver plated metal, 19th century. XX – Laos, Thailand
Extraordinary and rarely seen ethnic necklace made of silver-plated metal, from Thailand. Recently framed in a large frame with float glass. It is a piece that presents the essence of exoticism and sophistication that characterizes Eastern countries. 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 back to the second half of the 20th century, around 1950.

The Miao are an ethnic minority found primarily 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 which the Hmong probably make up a third.

The Miao people consider textiles, clothing and accessories as expressions of identity. Silver material and designs, like this one, also serve a protective function, promoting user 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 melted silver coins. Therefore, women carried a part of the family wealth 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 store them in a special wooden box in anticipation of their wedding day, when they display their best clothes 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 space in the French collecting market because French silver coins were often melted down to make the necklaces or repair existing ones. Additionally, it has some smaller communities in French Guiana, an overseas region of France. This piece of folk art can be perfect to fit into different spaces.
Type: Necklace
Material: Silver plated metal
Period: 1950s
Country of origin: Laos, Thailand
Good condition based on age and use.
Origin: Private collection France
Overall dimensions: 80 x 80 x 10 cm.
Necklace dimensions: 24 x 24 cm.