Golden Triangle Spirit Lock Silver Torc

From the Hmong Mien tribe this is a traditional silver neck ring.   Borel tells us that a neck ring can be worn with or without the lock pendant which is believed to lock the wearer's soul into the body during ritual ceremonies.  Age old Chinese techniques probably influenced the design of this necklace and the ends of the torc have an engraved bird's beak design.

Weight: 73g.

Dimensions:  the maximum inner diameter is 13.5 cm and the opening of the torc is 7 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.