Miao silver necklace, likely dated to the 20th or 21st centuries, though the source did not say. The

Miao silver necklace, likely dated to the 20th or 21st centuries, though the source did not say. The necklaces is engraved with dragons and other auspicious symbols. According to the source, The FolkArt Gallery:Silver ornaments have been an important part of the Miao culture for over 400 years where it is customary for Miao women to adorn themselves for festivals and celebrations and especially for their wedding day. Miao families begin collecting silver jewelry for their daughters as infants, keeping it in a special wooden box in anticipation of her wedding day, when she displays her finery for the whole village. A wedding costume often includes 8 – 10 kg of exquisitely fashioned silver that represents beauty, wealth and dignity and is believed to ward off evil. Silver jewelry is an easily transportable form of wealth for the Miao minority during seasonal migrations. The jewelry is made using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. -- source link

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