Lot 277

Description

Vietnam, Hmong-style neck torque, Silver, twisted open neck ornament of curved torc form, with spiral-twist decoration along the body and a scroll terminal at each end; the small loop adjacent to one terminal is also visible in the photograph. Approximately 13cm at widest point; recorded weight 50g. The original typed display label is headed “VIETNAMESE RING MONEY”, identifies it as a child’s neck ring of the Meo (Hmong) people of Vietnam, describes the metal as silver and records a weight of 51 grams. It may have functioned as ornament or a store of wealth, but classification as circulating currency, the claimed silver content has not been independently substantiated. Very fine, with dark toning and patination and minor surface wear and rubbing to the raised twisted decoration. Both scroll terminals appear intact, with no obvious fractures or repairs visible.

Ex Alan McRae collection.