Pair of Miao Earrings

Handmade from vintage silver, these early 20th century earrings were part of the elaborate costumes of Miao women, an ethnic minority that lives in Southwest China. Miao people regard silver as the most precious of metals and begin amassing silver jewelry for their daughters during childhood. The weight of the ornaments a girl wears can range anywhere from several ounces to a few kilograms. The pair is mounted on custom iron stands.