Miao Silver Festival Ornament

Silver triangles fold in and out around three rings, like origami done in metal.

This festival ornament is Miao (Hmong), from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is silver. For Miao women, festival dress traditionally centers on silver, and stacked neck rings are among the most striking pieces, generally passed down and worn on important occasions. Three graduated collars are hammered into rows of raised triangular facets that catch the light from every angle. The rings are joined at the back by twisted silver wire with bound ends. The surface is bright, with soft wear on the high points. It is 4 inches wide and 13 high.

Sharp angles, softly worn, and impossible to overlook.