Miao Spirit Lock or Padlock Pendant

Two silver spirals sit on top of a lock, like a pair of very composed curls.

This spirit lock or padlock pendant is from the Miao (Hmong) peoples of Thailand, in silver. Hmong silver locks are generally worn as protective charms, meant to keep a child's spirit safely fastened to the body. A rectangular plate is stamped all over with floral and dotted patterns in diagonal lines, with a border of small dots. A thick wire arches from each side, ending in a tight spiral at the center top. Two small rings hang at the sides. It is 3 inches long and 2 high.

A lock whose main job is to be looked at.