Old Hmong Spirit Lock Amulet


This very early 20th c. beautiful spirit lock is from the Hmong cultural group of Laos, Thailand and China. Spirit Locks are worn by the Hmong to "lock" the soul, or spirit, of the person into his or her body. They are given to children in traditional soul-calling ceremonies and worn throughout their lives. The brass lock, hung on a coiled silk & nylon cord, has been formed with great detail using the repoussé method and features a girl on horseback on one side while the verso bears a floral motif with written characters. The front of the lock is in good condition; the back has a little crimping to the edges as seen in the detail below. The beautiful old Spirit Lock has a beautiful patina and exquisite imagery.

This is a beautiful devotional treasure!

Measurements: Lock is approx. 2 1/2 " x 1 7/8 "

Length of cord is approx. 16"

#22823A

SOLD

 

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