Miao Spirit Lock or Padlock Pendant

Two serpentine arms curl up and spiral inward, meeting almost nose to nose.

This spirit lock or padlock pendant is Miao (Hmong), from Thailand, in silver. Among the Hmong, lock-shaped pendants are traditionally worn to keep the soul securely bound to the body, especially for children. The flat rectangular plate is engraved with feathery leaf sprays radiating in starburst patterns, edged with a fine chevron border. Above it, two tapering arms rise in loops, finished with neat spirals and incised along their length. The silver has a soft, even shine. It is 3.25 inches long and 2.25 high.

A lock with nothing to open, only something to keep.