MSI717

PAIR OF TRADITIONAL SILVER EAR PLUGS – MON / KAREN (KAYAN / PADAUNG) CULTURAL SPHERE – MYANMAR (BURMA)

Ethnographic silver body ornaments from the Mon–Karen cultural region of Myanmar, early–mid 20th century or earlier.

This is a pair of traditional silver ear plugs from Myanmar (Burma), originating from the Mon–Burmese cultural sphere and the neighboring Karen/Kayan (Padaung) regions, an area historically shaped by strong interaction between Buddhist and indigenous traditions.

The plugs are made in hollow, sealed construction and are filled with a traditional compound, most likely resin, pitch, or lacquer. The cylindrical, chedi (stupa)-inspired form is characteristic of reliquary-influenced jewelry from this region. In some traditions, objects of this type could also serve as symbolic or actual containers for sacred or ritual contents (such as blessed substances or small relics); without non-invasive examination (e.g., X-ray), the exact nature of the contents cannot be determined.

The domed, granulated front decoration, natural patina, and craftsmanship indicate a genuinely old piece, most likely dating to the early to mid-20th century or possibly earlier. Well-preserved, fully intact pairs of this type are increasingly uncommon.

DETAILS

ORIGIN: Myanmar (Burma), Mon–Karen cultural region
CULTURE: Mon / Burmese influence, possibly used among Karen (Kayan / Padaung) groups
MATERIAL: 96% High Silver, sealed and filled core (resin / pitch / lacquer or possibly ritual contents)
PERIOD: Probably early–mid 20th century or earlier
WEIGHT (PAIR): 11.54 grams
SIZE: 22 mm length | 15 mm width
EARLOBE HOLE: Approx. 14 mm
CONDITION: Very good for its age, fully intact, wearable and collectible
SALE: Sold as a pair
Reference

*- A WORLD OF EARRINGS AFRICA – ASIA – AMERICA – PAGE: 214 - BY ANN VAN CUTSEM – SKIRA

*- THE JEWELRY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA - PAGE: 25 - ANNE RICHTER - THAMES & HUDSON