For centuries, silver soul lock pendants have been worn by the Hmong to keep the restless soul from taking flight from the body until the appropriate time has come. The Hmong are a strongly independent mountain dwelling people found throughout Southeast Asia and southern China and are renowned for their silversmith skills and unique designs. They were the first hill tribe group to successfully cultivate opium which provided the income to purchase large quantities of silver to be turned into adornments.
Characteristics
Diameter: 14 cm / 5.5 inches (flexible)
Weight: 28 grams (neck ring only)
Period: Early 20th century
Provenance: Northern Laos
Reference: Paul & Elaine Lewis, Peoples of the Golden Triangle p.50
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