Hmong or mien/yao bracelet

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 2015.102.1
Type: jewellery; metalwork; accessory
Date of production:
1970s
Place of production:
Materials: silver
Dimensions: diameter: 7.2 cm
Silver bracelet decorated with engraved vegetal ornaments. It can be expanded due to the adjustable closures.

Silver barcelets - usually in matching pairs - are worn by both men and women. Countless variations exist, with the common feature that they are open on one side. The White Hmong prefer thicker silver bracelets, while the Blue Hmong tend to wear narrower, flatter barcelets, which may also be made of copper. Jewellery is often worn because of the healing powers ascribed to it.