Ethnic silver jewelry - more than a simple ornament

Jewelry is a highlight in every ethnic group's costumes. Each group has a distinct style of jewelry making with different shapes and motifs that mark their own cultural traits. For the Thai and Hmong people in Hoa Binh, silver jewelry is more than typical ornaments, as it carries many spiritual, cultural, and social values ​​of the community. Let Avana Retreat guide you through some facts about the ethnic silver jewelry of minor groups in Hoa Binh!

Silver jewelry is a must-have item in ethnic women's clothes (Source: Internet)

The value of ethnic silver jewelry

Silver has always been a precious, highly valued metal since ancient times. It is used on many important occasions like wedding betrothal, dowry, and social rituals... For centuries, they have been able to keep this traditional culture alive and well. Hair brooches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and sashes... are popular jewelry for Thai and Hmong women.

Beautiful details reflecting nature and life (Source: abmdsudi)

Silver necklace - the gift of nurturing birth

Along with meticulously carved earrings, Thai and Hmong women wear a round necklace with a smooth, curved body, the two adjacent ends of the ring are smaller than the body of the ring and are spread wide like a bird's head to emboss patterns. 

Silver necklaces are also often given to the bride and the bride's mother at the wedding. While one necklace is given to the bride as a dowry, the other necklace is gifted to her mother representing the repaying of the gift of birth and upbringing with the bride.

Silver jewelry is a must-have item in ethnic women's clothes (Source: Martha de Jong-Lantink)

More than just an accessories

For Thai and Hmong women, ethnic silver jewelry is not only a beauty item but also represents affection, class, and wealth. According to ancient beliefs, it is also like an amulet that can protect its owners from “toxic winds”, evil spirits and bring good luck, and protection as it carries holy energy from the gods. 

For a better view of Thai and Hmong culture, visit our well-reserved Stilt House Museum which is open every day!

Pieces of ethnic silver jewelry are conserved at the Stilt House Museum