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Website Owned and Maintained by KATZ CREATIONS™, KC ENTERPRISES, S.P. All rights reserved 2003 & Beyond
Much of the silver that we use in our handcrafted pieces comes from these master metalworkers. Unlike Sterling Silver which is 92.5% pure silver, Hill Tribe Silver is 99.5% pure! (The other .5% is copper). The delicate and intricate craftsmanship is enough to make any jewelry fan fall in love!
The website, www.circleofasia.com, gives the following information about the Hill Tribe people of Northern Thailand:
"Thailand’s northern mountains, at the very edge of the Himilayan ridge, are home to many hilltribes that have their own unique culture of clothing, food, architecture and social traditions. Border Dwellers Ethnic hill tribes inhabit the border regions of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan in southern China. Some originate from around these regions, while others have migrated from northern China and Tibet over the last two or three centuries. Many communities straddle the borders of the modern states, and villagers cross to and fro, often at will, but these days with increasing regulation. The exact number of hill tribes in Thailand is unknown. Some authorities put the figure at anything up to twenty, not counting the numerous subgroups. Rough estimates of the total hill tribe population stand at half a million. Many ethnic groups in Myanmar have been in armed rebellion against the military dictatorship there for many years. Dry season offensives by the Burmese government swell the numbers of hill tribe refugees in Thailand every year. The largest hill tribes in Thailand are the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu, with smaller numbers of Kayah and Karenni. Their religions include Buddhism, Christianity and various types of animism with ancestor worship. Customs vary from tribe to tribe; some are monogamous and others allow polygamy. Their languages differ greatly, although most belong to one of three main linguistic groups: Tibeto-Myanmarn, Austro-Thai and Karenic. Each tribe has its own unique and distinct clothing; usually colorful woven fabrics, and some with elaborate headgear – especially the Akha and Mien. Agriculture, including opium, is the foremost economy of the hill tribes, but logging and gems also provide much of their livelihood."
We attempt to purchase from direct suppliers who are also supporting the enrichment of the Hill Tribe villages through the exportation of silver beads. Education, job training, higher-than-minimum wages paid, and improved safety standards all lead to improvements in living conditions for these artists and their communities. As one of our suppliers states, "When buying Karen Hill Tribe Silver...you are ensuring that the next generation of artisans will survive to preserve the works of their forefathers. Making silver has become a profitable advantage for the Hill Tribe families and an invaluable alternative to growing cash crops such as opium."
We feel certain that once you experience this marvelous metalwork, you'll never want to wear any other silver!
