Karen Hilltribe Hand-Crafted and Stamped Symbolic Silver Bangle

Description

This unique silver bangle has been hand crafted by Karen artisans in Northern Thailand. The Karen are a peaceful people who have the greatest respect for the forest and its abundance of plants and animals.

This stamped symbolic silver bangle is a classic example of their traditional craftsmanship.

The quality of the silver utilised by the Karen is demonstrated by its 99% silver content, higher than sterling silver which is 92.5%. This increases malleability allowing complicated patterns to be carefully created and gives the silver a unique feel. Using moulds and traditional hand tools the Karen silver is hammered, shaped and carved into these unique Karen designs.

The whole process is very much a community affair with silversmiths' skills being shared among families and passed down from generation to generation. It is difficult to come across these silversmithing Karen communities as many lie far along dusty broken roads, often highly isolated and deep in the jungle.

Through the careful preservation of this traditional craft, communities are today able to sell their handcrafted creations to bring in much needed additional income. This is giving more and more families access to basic rights such as being able to fund healthcare, put enough food on the table and send their children to school. 

Buying Karen jewellery you are not only helping to keep a tradition alive but also supporting sustainable income generation. All funds made by the  Karen Hilltribes Trust through the sales of jewellery go directly back into helping support community led projects for the Karen who are most in need.

Specifications

• width: 7 mm
• weight: 24 grams
• 99% silver content
• 100% hand crafted

Story

The Lamphun Province in upper northern Thailand is the home to the Karen people surrounded by lush countryside punctuated by rice fields and orchards and situated between tho idyllic mountain ranges. The district is 670 km from Bangkok and 26 km from Chaing Mai.

All our Karen silver jewellery is lovingly handmade by the women of the villages within the Lamphun District. An area, where for generations Karen families have been passing down the skills to create a beautiful array of traditional jewellery. It is home to many neighbouring Karen communities who have developed an innovative way to overcome adversity and bring in a sustainable income.