A Miao artist in southwest China made this torque using silver wire cleverly twisted into swirling, interlacing loops in the front and rope-like wrappings in the back with a hook and eye clasp. Its design attests to the inventiveness of the Miao silversmiths. In the Miao culture, silver protects against illness and misfortune. It is a form of family savings and represents a certain status. The Miao have about fifty different kinds of jewelry, produced in silver or baitong, an alloy of zinc, nickel, and copper that originated in China. A complete set of jewelry worn at ceremonies and festivals can weigh up to twenty pounds; this necklace alone weighs nearly two pounds.