Miao Spirit Lock or Padlock Pendant

A narrow-waisted pendant plate fronted by two wire curls and a wide wingspan.

This silver spirit lock or padlock pendant is Miao (Hmong), from Thailand. Hmong communities live across southern China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, and their silversmiths are known for repousse work, chains and engraved detail. Tapered plate engraved with a fine radiating pattern and a beaded row near the top edge. Above rise two coiled spirals and broad wire arms that curve out and down. The surface reads soft gray with light wear. It is 2.25 inches long and 2 high.

Scratched with care and balanced with even more of it.