This coiled neckring comprises two other parts - a shoulder piece, which is placed like a collar beneath the neck piece, and an additional coil attached to the shoulder piece. The neckring belongs to a set of brass jewellery that is reportedly from a Padaung grave site in Burma, and is around 120 years old. The length of the neckcoil presumably indicates the age and status of the wearer. The heaviness of the coils and good condition with nice patina despite reported burial also suggests that good quality material were sought after. It appears to have been made by coiling a continous square section thread of brass to produce each item.The Padaung community is also known as Kayan, a member of the Karenni people, who are Tibeto-Burman speakers. They live in Myanmar and more recently in Thailand, where many have migrated to in the wake of political problems.
