Indigenous Beaded Bracelet • KAYAPÓ people (from Brazil)

Indigenous Beaded Bracelet • KAYAPÓ people (from Brazil)

Handmade with two lines of nylon thread and glass beads, the jewelry reflects the beauty of the forest through the traditional designs of the Mebengokré people, also known as Kayapó.

Beads have a long history in contact with Indigenous peoples. Initially used as a currency for trade and bonds with these communities, over time, Kayapó women adopted the beauty of these beads as a substitute for other natural materials such as seeds, feathers, coconut shells, and woven straw.

This is a handmade product. The product you receive may not be identical to the one shown in the photo.

People: Kayapó
Origin: Pará (PA) e Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil
Primary materials: Glass beads and rigid nylon

Approximate measurements:
Circumference: 8.66 inches (22 cm) / Height : 2.56 inches (6,5 cm)

• About Kayapó People

In the 19th century, the Kayapó were divided into three major groups: the Irã'ãmranh-re ("those who roam the plains"), the Goroti Kumrenhtx ("the men of the true large group"), and the Porekry ("the men of the small bamboos"). From these groups, the current Kayapó subgroups descend: Gorotire, Kuben-Krân-Krên, Kôkraimôrô, Kararaô, Mekrãgnoti, Metyktire, and Xikrin. Although the ethnicity refers to itself as Mebengokré, the term Kayapó was given by neighboring groups, meaning "those who resemble monkeys." This likely refers to a ritual where, for weeks, Kayapó men, wearing monkey masks, perform short dances.

For the Kayapó and other Indigenous peoples, the commercialization of handicrafts is not only important for generating sustainable income for families but also helps preserve this knowledge that has been passed down through generations, promoting their culture to the world.

Discover more about the Indigenous culture of hapé and Snuff Tools.