This traditional Akha aluminum button is an authentic piece of clothing adornment from the hill tribes of Southeast Asia. It faithfully reproduces the design of a Chinese 50-cent coin from Yunnan , dating from 1910–1915, depicting an imperial dragon locally associated with the protective Naga.
Used as an ornament on traditional clothing , this type of button was sewn onto the ceremonial or everyday garments of the Akha people, particularly in Thailand, Laos, and Burma. The choice of aluminum, a light and shiny metal, reflects its practical use while retaining a strong symbolic value linked to prosperity and protection.
This is an authentic ethnographic object , testifying to the cultural exchanges between Southern China and the hill tribes, where ancient monetary motifs were copied and stylized for decorative and identity purposes.
Features
- Cultural origin: Akha ethnic group
- Region: Northern Thailand / Southern Yunnan / Burma
- Function: Traditional clothing button
- Design: Naga dragon inspired by a Chinese coin
- Material: Aluminum
- Period: 20th century
- 📐 Dimensions: Diameter: 35 mm
- ⚓ Weight: 4 grams
Ethnographic object – no magical or ritual function.