MSI635

ANTIQUE SILVER TRIBAL EAR PLUG PAIR WITH PENDANT – SOUTHERN LAOS / MAINLAND SOUTHEAST ASIA – LATE 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Period: Late 19th – early 20th century (circa 1880–1920)
Region: Southern Laos (likely Attapeu / Attapou Province), with cultural links to upland groups of the Laos–Vietnam–Cambodia border region

Description

A rare and visually distinctive pair of handmade silver (tested high silver content) ear plugs from mainland Southeast Asia, acquired in southern Laos. The form and construction suggest origin within upland ethnic traditions of the southern Lao highlands, rather than the northern Shan State of Myanmar.

Each plug features a hollow cylindrical shaft with a flared repoussé front disc, displaying concentric and radiating motifs. One example retains a suspended hammered silver pendant, while the other remains plain—an asymmetry occasionally observed in tribal adornment, whether by design, loss, or individual variation.

The surfaces exhibit fine hand-hammering, repoussé work, and natural irregularities, all consistent with traditional silversmithing techniques. The patina is mature and stable, with soft grey tonality typical of high-silver-content alloys used in the region.

Attribution & Geographic Clarification

While initially comparable to forms seen in Shan State, the provenance (southern Laos) and stylistic details align more convincingly with Mon–Khmer and Lao upland groups (e.g., Alak, Katu, or related communities).

Measurements

• Weight: 4.69 g (shorter) | 9.77 g (longer)

• Dimensions:
  – Shorter: L50 mm × W20 mm
  – Longer: L72 mm × W20 mm

• Earlobe hole size: approx. 6 mm (front flare: 20 mm)

Condition

Antique – intact and stable.
One plug retains original hanging ornament but is shorter; the other is plain but longer.
Noticeable asymmetry in length.
Surface shows consistent aged patina with no modern repairs observed.

Preserved in original condition; cleaning optional but not recommended for collectors.

Notes

– Hand-forged and repoussé-worked silver construction
– Ethnographic object with functional and cultural significance
– Asymmetry enhances authenticity and field-use character
– Scarce form, especially with surviving pendant element

References

“People of the Golden Triangle” – Paul Lewis & Elaine Lewis – p. 61
“A World of Earrings: Africa – Asia – America” – Ann Van Cutsem – p. 223

Sold as a pair