Collection: Indigenous jewelry

These jewelry are handmade by the different indigenous ethnic groups of Brazil.

Each piece is unique, with its pattern, its colors and its small defects.

Artisans draw inspiration from everyday life, a design that can represent the skin of a snake or the shell of a turtle, colors evoking the forest or river water for example.

bijoux indigènes

The earring hooks are made of surgical steel or gold plated depending on the model.

Collapsible content

Bracelet size

Most bracelets are closed, rigid.

The size described in the product sheets gives the diameter of the bracelet, in mm.

To approximately determine your hard bracelet size, you will need to measure the size of your palm to ensure that it fits within the diameter of the bracelet at the widest point as in the image below. Add 0.3mm or 0.4mm.

Refer to the conversion chart below to determine your minimum bracelet size. You can select one or two sizes larger depending on your preference.

Size of your palm (cm) Minimum bracelet diameter
6.0 to 6.5 cm 50 to 52mm
6.5 to 6.9 cm 52 to 54mm
6.9 to 7.3 cm 54 to 56mm
7.3 to 7.7 cm 56 to 58mm
7.7 to 8.1 cm 58 to 60mm
8.1 to 8.3 cm 60 to 62mm
8.4 to 8.6 cm 62 to 64mm
8.6 to 8.8 cm 64 to 66mm
8.8 to 9.0 cm 68 to 70mm

Miçanga jewelry: A celebration of indigenous Brazilian craftsmanship

Miçanga jewelry is artisanal treasures emblematic of indigenous culture, particularly in Brazil. These jewelry pieces, made by different indigenous tribes across the country, are small works of art that capture the natural beauty and cultural richness of these ancestral communities.

This jewelry is primarily made of Miçanga beads, tiny colored glass beads, often assembled to form intricate and vibrant designs. Colors and patterns vary depending on the tribe and its tradition. Each piece is unique and tells a specific story linked to the culture, nature and spirituality of the tribe that created it.

Their bright, vibrant colors are a nod to the lush ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest. For example, deep blue evokes the winding rivers that wind through the jungle, while red recalls the tropical flowers that explode with life under the equatorial sun and green the lush forest, the green lung of our planet. These jewels transport you to a world where nature reigns supreme, a world overflowing with life and beauty.

But there's more than just colors. The detailed design of these works of art is inspired by the natural patterns found in the flora and fauna of the Amazon, like a small window into this wild and wonderful world.

Miçanga jewelry has a deep meaning for these people. They are worn proudly during ceremonies, rituals and special occasions, and they play a vital role in expressing the cultural identity of each tribe. Additionally, these jewelry are often given as a sign of friendship, respect or love, thus strengthening social bonds within indigenous communities.

Purchasing indigenous Miçanga jewelry represents much more than just an aesthetic acquisition. It is a way to support indigenous communities, preserve their cultural heritage and promote awareness of Brazil's cultural diversity.

By purchasing and wearing these jewelry, craft enthusiasts help preserve the history and tradition of these precious peoples while adding a touch of beauty and meaning to their own lives.

Miçanga jewelry is therefore both cultural treasures and living testimony to the richness of Brazilian indigenous culture.

Jewelry materials

The natives use local plant seeds or multi-colored beads for their jewelry.
So, in the description of the articles, you will find the following words:
- Miçanga: glass beads - see photo

- Tiririca: seeds of the Cyperus rotundus plant - see photo

- Piaçava (or piassava): fibers from the Attalea funifera palm tree - see photo

- Tucuma: seeds of the palm Astrocaryum aculeatum - see photo

- Morototo: seeds of the Didymopanax morototoni tree - see photo

- Inaja: seeds of the Attalea maripa palm tree - see photo

- Jueirana: seeds of the Dinizia jueirana-facao tree - see photo

- Acai: seeds of the Auterpe oleracea palm tree - see photo

- Jarina (vegetable ivory): seeds of the Phytelephas macrocarpa palm (also called ivory palm) - see photo

- Jupati: seeds of the palm Raphia taedigera - see photo

- Pau Brasil: seeds of the Paubrasilia echinata tree - see photo

- Lagrimas-de-Nossa-Senhora: seeds of the Coix lacryma-jobi plant - see photo

Most of these products are therefore of natural origin and require some advice to store them properly:

- Avoid contact with water, perspiration or humidity;

- Avoid contact with cosmetic products, perfumes, alcohol and other chemicals;

- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun;

- Avoid friction with objects and surfaces that could scratch your jewelry;

- Jarina rings should always be removed when washing hands or in contact with water or other liquids;

- some earrings are made with 925 silver hooks or posts. It is normal for silver to darken over time due to contact with gases in the environment. If this happens, to restore its original shine, simply clean the metal part of the earring with a "magic" cloth specially designed for cleaning precious metals;

- After each use, clean your jewelry only with a soft, dry cloth, then store it individually in its original fabric packaging, in a dry and ventilated place.

Free shipping for mainland France.

Free shipping from 3 items ordered for other countries.