Antique medallion

Puchased in Del Rio, TX and was reported to have been found by someone with a metal detector outside Langtry, TX. Sent photos to archaeologist and some believed it to be a "protective" charm and/or medallion to a chinese worker who participated in the constructions of West Texas railroads in the late 1800s. The item was found several inches into the dirt. To myself, the front seems to be a dragon with circles representing stars, and the back appears to have what look like people or something else jointed and circled around a fire? 

Poor