Golden Triangle Engraved Solid Torc Necklace

From the Hmong Hill Tribe of the Golden Triangle this is a traditional silver neck ring design.   The torc ends in a bird's beak motif, influenced by age-old Chinese designs.  The patterns are similiar to those found on Yao torques.

Borel tells us that a neck ring is the first piece of jewellery a person of either sex is given to wear.  Babies are fitted with one.  It is worn at all times to keep the wearer's soul from escaping.  It can't be handed down unless it is remade. 

Weight: 82g.

Dimensions:  the maximum inner diameter is 14 cm and the opening of the torc is 8 cm and it has a hook fastening.

Age: Early 1900s.

Reference: Borel, F. (1994) The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry,  page 180.

Reference: Lerquin, A. (2003) A World of Necklaces, page 440.