MSI743

TA OY COPPER ALLOY SPIRAL (COIL WEIGHTS) EAR ORNAMENTS (PAIR)
Vietnam–Laos Border Region | 20th Century, Possibly Earlier Tradition

A rare and authentic pair of heavy copper alloy spiral (coil weights) ear ornaments attributed to the Ta Oy (Ta Oi) people of the remote highland region spanning Quảng Trị Province in Central Vietnam and Salavan–Xekong Provinces in Southeastern Laos.

For generations, the Ta Oy and neighboring upland communities practiced earlobe stretching, wearing substantial ear ornaments as markers of identity, tradition, and personal adornment. These robust spiral forms were designed to be worn through enlarged earlobes, their considerable weight gradually shaping and maintaining the stretched opening.

Crafted from a copper alloy and displaying an attractive age-earned patina, this pair exhibits the simple yet powerful aesthetic characteristic of traditional highland tribal jewelry. Examples of this type are documented from the 20th century, while the tradition itself likely extends further back.

Specifications

• Culture: Ta Oy (Ta Oi)

• Origin: Quảng Trị Province, Central Vietnam / Salavan & Xekong Provinces, Laos

• Period: 20th Century, possibly representing an earlier traditional form

• Material: Copper Alloy

• Weight (pair): 99.45 grams

• Measurements:
  • Length: 34 mm

  • Width: 35 mm

  • Earlobe Opening: 10 mm

• Condition: Very good for age; fully intact and wearable

• Offered as a matched pair

A desirable example of traditional highland Southeast Asian body adornment, combining strong ethnographic significance, attractive patina, and excellent state of preservation.

Reference:
*- The Jewelry of Southeast Asia - Page: 63 - Image#: 134 - Anne Richter - Thames & Hudson
*- A World of Earrings Africa – Asia – America – Page: 192 - by Ann Van Cutsem – Skira