Product Description

Akha Hilltribe Silver Bracelet 1

Material: Silver
Style: Akha Hilltribe
Size: Height 6 cm,  Width 7 cm
Order Number: MHSHSB1

During the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912) wealthy Chinese Han aristocracy, Mongol and rich minority women  loved and wore silver open-ended bracelets. Some were given as betrothal gifts. The minorities gave then as presents to their future wives.

They served as both as ornaments and status symbols. The wealthier the person, the more they owned. A rich woman often commissioned silversmiths to make them pieces and they were passed down from generation to generation.

Silversmithing has been in decline from the 1970s and very few villages have a smith. The price of silver became very expensive and  robbers would steal silver jewelry. Akha women became a particular target. As a result many pieces were sold or hidden and substitutes made from aluminium.

There is a similar example in Things Thai, Tanistha Dansilp and Michael Freeman, Periplus Editions, 2002, page 126.

Early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).