FREE: New Chinese Miao silver Carved Animal Zodiac Cuff Bracelet

The listing, New Chinese Miao silver Carved Animal Zodiac Cuff Bracelet has ended.

Beautiful Chinese Miao silver carved animal zoidiac signs cuff bracelet bangle. Beautifully detailed and would make a wonderful gift. The material is: Miao Silver (30% silver content and white brass)

Among China's 55 ethnic groups, the Miao are known for elaborate embroidery and exquisite work with silver.

Silver accessories are a standard for the Miao people. For more than 400 years, it's been the custom to decorate oneself head to toe, with silver. A full set can weigh up to ten kilograms. The purpose of wearing all this silver is of course primarily aesthetic, but they are also worn as amulets to ward off evil, and as symbols of wealth.

The tradition of wearing silver is preserved by a great number of craftsmen, scattered through the Miao villages. Most of the silver accessories are made by hands in a traditional way. A silver head-piece takes a couple of months to finish. In some villages, every male is trained in silver-work. Each ornament is an exquisite work of art and sparkles with the wisdom of the Miao people. The fancy Miao silver accessories include silver hat, silver horns, silver comb, silver ear-rings, neckband, necklace, bracelet, etc.

The Miao people have been deeply enamored with silver since ancient times. Silver takes special importance in Miao culture. The craft has developed into a unique art form, and a carrier of the culture. Now besides for their own use, the Miao costume and accessory have developed into unique form of folk art and become a collector's item and tourism souvenir.