This ring represents a fraction of the wide repertoire of silver jewellery made, worn and exchanged by highland communities in northern Thailand. The flat band of silver is designed with applied floral knop and silver bosses.This type of rings are worn by Lahu, Akha and Lisu besides Wa and Lawa people. They are worn as finger rings as well as ornaments on turbans and belts.The Akha, Lisu and Lahu are ethnic minority groups who migrated into Northern Thailand from Burma, Laos and Vietnam during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Wa and Lawa are ancient aboriginal people of northern Thailand. 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.
