Name: Large Decorated Hmong Silver Hairpin ETJ152
SKU: ETJ152
Price: 695.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Large Decorated Hmong Silver Hairpin ETJ152

$695.00

This exceptional antique silver hairpin was made by the Hmong in the mountains of northern Laos. The hairpin features beautiful filigree decoration in traditional Hmong motifs and retains its original top piece, which is rare. All too often they are damaged or lost. The shaft is hollow and it is said that in times past, Hmong women would keep a little opium stored in the hairpin along with other small, but valuable items.

Availability: In stock

Antique Hmong silver hairpins of this nature and size are rarely seen in Laos nowadays. The Hmong can no longer rely on the cultivation of opium poppies to finance their love of silver and ornamentation and we’ve been told that skilled Hmong silversmiths are a thing of the past and the vast majority of antique Hmong silver has already been traded for cash in the cities.

Reference: Paul & Elaine Lewis, Peoples of the Golden Triangle p.61

Characteristics
Length: 21cm, 8.3 in
Width at top: 2.2cm, .9 in
Weight: 55 grams
Period: Late 19th Century
Provenance: Northern Laos

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