Product Description

Miao Hilltribe Earrings 1

Material: Silver
Style: Miao
Size: Height 4.25 cm, Diameter 3.25 cm
Order Number: MHSHME1

The Miao people live in southern China mostly in Guizhou province. Miao sub-groups such as the Hmong live in northern Thailand and eastern Burma. The Hmong have 2 major branches, the White Hmong and the Green Hmong.

Many migrated to Laos. By 1850 they were established in the mountains around Luang Prabang. By the end of the 19th century there were several Hmong villages in Thailand. In 1984 there were 245 villages.

During World War II the Chinese tried to stop them speaking their own language or wearing their distinctive dress, but they failed.

The Maio keep much of their wealth in silver jewelry.

The wearing of silver jewellery among  women is very important. It is a sign of femininity and wealth. Families begin saving to buy silver jewellery when a daughter is born, so that she can get married with a substantial amount of silver jewellery which belongs to her.

Large amounts of silver jewellery are worn at weddings, funerals and springtime celebrations. At New Year all the family silver is worn.

Miao women like silver circles with curled tips.

There are some examples in Four Centuries of Silver, Personal Adornment in the Qing Dynasty and After, Margaret Duda, Times Editions, 2002, page 98.

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