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Ear Spools with Filigree Work, 20th Century
Miao or Dong culture; Guizhou Province, China
Sil…
Ear Spools
Ear Spools with Filigree Work, 20th Century
Miao or Dong culture; Guizhou Province, China
Sil…
Ear Spools with Filigree Work, 20th Century Miao or Dong culture; Guizhou Province, China Silver; 1 1/8 in. 2001.64.31a,b Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Ear Spools

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-ear ornaments
Culture Miao
Culture Dong
Date20th Century
Made AtGuizhou Province, China, Asia
MediumSilver
Dimensions2001.64.31a: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
2001.64.31b: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2001.64.31a,b
DescriptionThis object is a pair of silver ear spools from the Miao people residing in China’s Guizhou Province. Most silver would have been reserved for festival or celebratory wear, most often by unmarried women.

Traditionally, silver was worn to ward off evil, with silver’s bright sheen symbolizing light. Over time as it became more culturally pervasive it came to be used as a show of wealth and health for families who could afford to wear the precious metal.

Adolescent girls could wear as much as 10 kilograms of silver. When women marry the silver serves as a dowry and is eventually redistributed to their own children. Silversmithing on the other hand is exclusively performed by men and taught from father to son.
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