Antique Hmong fringe collar necklace

Impressive vintage ceremonial silver collar. Handcrafted and etched by South China ethnic group Miao Hmong, mountain dwelling peoples of China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Thailand. The necklace is made of a very low grade silver alloy with traditional floral etchings and a beautiful etched fish in the center. Miao silversmiths often melted French silver coins to make necklaces or repair existing ones and created an alloy named Bai Tong or white copper which is cupro nickel mostly. Six flower ornaments dangle at the bottom of the necklace with 5 bars attached to them with small coils, a hallmark of Hmong jewelry. This is a truly stunning statement piece of Hmong Miao culture and tradition to wear and collect. The choker measures 3.5 cm in width and has a total length of 23 cm from top to bottom. The diameter is 14.5 cm. Weight: The necklace has even a bit of wear and patina, a testament of its age but is in otherwise excellent vintage condition.