Miao Spirit Lock or Padlock Pendant

Two curling horns on a little silver plate, with eyes scattered across the front like a watchful crowd.

This spirit lock or padlock pendant is from the Miao (Hmong) peoples of Thailand, in silver. Miao and Hmong families have long worn silver lock-shaped ornaments, often called spirit locks, which are generally understood to protect a child's spirit, though practice varies. This one is a rectangular plate engraved with two crossed bands of chevrons, with small eye shapes between them. A herringbone border runs around the edge. At the top, two long arms rise and curl into spirals, scored with fine lines. It is 3 inches long and 1.75 high.

Small, decorated, and clearly on duty.