Title
Earring
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Northern Thailand
Dimension
Object size: 6.3 x 5 cm
Accession No.
1993-00737
Collection of
This flat engraved earring represents a fraction of the wide repertoire of silver jewellery worn by highland communities in north Thailand that include the Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Akha, Karen among others. Silver was valued more highly than gold by many highland communities. Silver jewellery was a way of investing a family’s wealth to be passed down as heirlooms. It was also believed to have protective properties. Today, where security maybe a problem, silver is kept locked away while aluminium is used as a substitute.
