Silver and the moon:
For Nuosu people, gold is associated with the sun, and
silver with the
moon; since silver is much more common and less expensive, it plays a
more prominent
role in material and spiritual culture.
Adornment and wealth:
Nuosu people love silver jewelry and vessels; both men
and women wear earrings and finger rings, and serving a guest out of a
silver drinking vessel is a great honor. Silver jewelry
also displays the wearer's family's wealth.
Family traditions:
Silversmithing is one of the most honored professions of
the Nuosu; some clans have a tradition of over 10 generations of
smiths. In addition to silver, smiths can also work in gold, copper,
brass, and often steel. They also make most of their own tools.
