Wa people's large earrings

Wa people's large earrings

　　I had long heard that the silver jewelry of the Wa people was quite unique, with their earrings being extraordinarily and exaggeratedly large — so large it was hard to believe. Not long ago, I made a special trip to Furong Township in Menglian County and finally got to see such large earrings.

　　The earrings worn by the Wa women of Furong are made of pure silver. They come in various sizes and shapes. Some resemble miniature elephant-foot drums, with diameters of 3 to 4 centimeters and lengths of 6 to 7 centimeters, featuring a hollow center and a cover on the side facing the back of the ear; some resemble gongs, with gong faces over 8 centimeters in diameter; others are adorned with many silver tassels that rustle and sway as the wearer walks.

　　Women who wear these earrings say they are precious heirlooms passed down through generations. In the past, not only women but also men wore earrings. The reason for adorning earlobes with dangling ornaments was to attract the opposite sex and ignite romance. Nowadays, these earrings serve not only to charm potential partners but also as symbols of wealth. Many people endure the pain of ear piercing at a young age just to wear beautiful earrings. Initially, a small wooden plug is inserted into a hole in the ear rim, which is then gradually replaced with larger ones until a stopper about 4 centimeters in diameter is finally inserted.

　　Additionally, there’s a little secret — the large earrings also serve a practical purpose. The hollow body of the earring acts like a container for storing money or small items like needles and thread. Several 100-yuan bills can be rolled up and easily slipped inside the earring, then covered with the lid, making for a very secure storage solution.