Hmong neck ring, SW China

Hmong silver neck ring, worn by this ethnic minority inhabiting mainly SW China, Vietnam and Laos.

High-grade silver.

This neck ring has a spirit lock suspended from it. Spirit locks are believed to lock the spirit or soul into the body in case of illness or accident, thereby providing the wearer with powerful protection against physical harm.

From the beginning of the XXth Century or earlier.

Provenance: UK private collection

Dimensions:

Total length: 42 cm
Size of the neck ring: 14 x 16,5 cm
Gap of the neck ring: 7,5 cm
Size of the soul lock pendant: 7 x 10,5 cm

Weight: 499,3 gr.

References:

“Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, p. 50
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000
“De kracht van Zilver. Etnische sieraden uit de collectie smith hutschenruyter Mols, Luitgard”, Wereld Museum, Rotterdam, 2011

SEA520