RARE! Bronze Python Snake Opium Weight c.1900 25g

RARE! Old Bronze Python Snake Opium Weight

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY REAL COLLECTOR

Authentic handmade Bronze Python Opium Weight. Opium Weights like this were used throughout the Golden Triangle region to weigh opium for centuries. These days, however, unusual old weights like this are increasingly difficult to find and procure. I got it during a trip to the Golden Triangle region where the Karen Hill Tribe live (note the photo of the Karen women above). I have included a brief history of the Karen People below.

Dimensions: Can be seen in the photos.

Weight: 25 grams

Materials: Bronze.

Age: Circa 1900-1920.

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KAREN PEOPLE

For centuries much of the population of northern Thailand has been composed of ethnic groups commonly known as 'hilltribes'. The largest of these is the Karen group numbering around 400,000 in Thailand.

The two main Karen groups in Thailand are the Sgaw and Pwo Karen. The Karen Hilltribes Trust works with the largest, the Sgaw Karen, who live in the Khun Yuam and Mae La Noi districts of the Mae Hong Son Province.

Their history in northern Thailand can be traced back to the twelfth century. It is thought that Karen originally came from Tibet, through China, and eventually to Thailand.

In Thailand they mostly live in the more remote mountainous areas due west of Chiang Mai. They are subsistence farmers who live at peace with nature and the forests. The Karen settled in what is termed the 'middle level' in the mountains, namely between 800 and 1,800 meters.

They were semi-nomadic people using swidden (slash and burn) farming methods, moving around on a seven year cycle. However, around 1968 the Government insisted that they must stop moving around. They were offered Thai ID and land rights if they could prove longevity. Now they are settled but their lifestyle is still influenced by their culture