Heavy Antique Hmong Silver Necklace Neck Ring From Thailand. I believe this is from the Meo or Blue Hmong. Purchased by MetalRex from a Traditional Hmong trader passing through Reno in the 1980's; it has been in the family ever since. A beautifully preserved collectible. Silver patina is excellent. The chain work is excellent except on the end links which are a little "squashed" (please view the HD pictures). This is an old piece and I have not tried to polish this. 

I believe the figure engraved on the terminals are spirit figures with feathers and adornments. The neck ring weighs 416 grams (13.4 troy ounce) and measures over 8 inches diameter across at the widest point.

By XRF this analyzed 88% silver with a trace of other metals including gold.

These torque neck rings are handcrafted by Hmonghill-tribe silversmiths in Northeastern Thailand and Laos.  

Item will be sent priority mail.

Please ask any questions prior to purchasing. Thank you for your interest.

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The Hmong sometimes called the ‘Meo’ are the second largest hill tribe group in Thailand making up approximately 17% of the total hilltribe population. There are an estimated 125,000 Hmong living in Thailand, which make it the second largest minority group.

There are 3 types of Hmong in Thailand

– The Blue Hmong (also known as the Black Meo, Flowery Meo or Striped Meo)

– The White Hmong (Hmong Daw)

– The Gua M’ba Hmong (which literally means Armband Hmong, and who are subgroup of the White Hmong mostly living in refugee camps now). The Hmong tend to locate in higher altitudes (1,000 m above sea level).  

Of all the tribes the Hmong were the most heavily engaged in opium growing, but since this was outlawed in 1958 they mainly grow rice, corn and other crops now. Almost certainly, this item was used for monetary purposes.