Title
Hair ornament
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Northern Thailand
Object Type
Dimension
Gross measurement: H0.8 x L18.9 x W0.6
Accession No.
1993-00857
Collection of
This hair ornament made of bone represents a fraction of the wide repertoire of jewellery made, worn and exchanged by highland communities in northern Thailand. This hair spike is worn particularly by the Karen. For many highland communities, silver was valued more highly than gold. 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.The Karen people, who live in Burma and northern Thailand are the largest highland group in Thailand. Their origins are unknown.
