Lettter from Linda Gerdner

Click the photo of Linda to visit her Author's page on Amazon with her information and books.

I have the items stretched on on a sheet in the living room. I did see the collar that you are referring to. [It has one pattern on one side, and another on the back, sideways to the first.] I looked at it several times to determine if I was seeing it correctly. No, I have never seen or heard of a collar being designed in that manner. I can't even think of an plausible explanation of why it was designed in that manner. I think I will send Dia Cha and Sy Vang Lo a photo and see what they think. I will let you know when I find out.

I have never seen such a small New Year purse, fascinating. If these items could talk - oh the stories they could tell. I was also delighted to see collars that still had the coins attached. Often the coins are removed and used on another accessory item. Also in America, they use a light weight aluminum coin that is just for show. These are the real deal. There are two different coins--I found one of them on the internet, and it was from 1974. As you know, the coins add weight to the collar.

Treasures include a red bag with metal attachments. My initial thought is that it might be from a different hill tribe group. Possibly Lahu? That is another item I am going to learn more about.

There are a couple of very unique children's hats as well. I know they are Hmong, but they are adorned in a manner I have not seen before. Fascinating!!! One has a red yarn in a semi-circle around the crown. I have seen women's head attire like that but not a child's hat. I think it represents the province of origin. The other has some unique triangular type (three dimensional) adornment. I will learn more about that and let you know as well.

I am sure I learn more new things with each review of the items.

I am receiving tremendous pleasure from these items.

With Metta,
Linda