“…In the tribal region of La Sierra Nevada the craft tradition of beadwork is passed down through generations from mothers to daughters. The designs are mostly inspired by tribal art and dreams of the Indians. Minor color changes are made to suit modern taste and trends. The Latin luxe beaded bracelets design process is based on the magic of legendary handcrafting mixed with the FLOR AMAZONA contemporary spirit.”

While working on their art craft of fixing together glass beads and threads, indigenous people of the Kamcha tribe sit outside of their huts in the deep Sierra Nevada and listen to the natural beats of the jungle. Most of them have never stepped one foot outside of their village and they therefore have little understanding of the outside world. The indigenous people that do leave to the bigger cities often come back disappointed, as they realize it is not the kind of life that would fulfill their dreams in comparison to their innate bead-craft. In the deep jungle of Sierra Nevada, in Colombia, the tribe has managed to preserve their cultural identity even in times of growing globalization. FLOR AMAZONA strives, through her collaboration with the tribe, to make their traditions sustainable and that way being able to live in harmony.

The designs of the beadwork are never sketched, instead the instructions are verbally given by the indigenous women in accordance to their dreams. These patterns are then passed down through generations with only slight modifications in colours and lines. A fascinating design process resulting in a handmade piece of art with each a unique story!

Everything needs a starting point. For the beaded bracelets of FLOR AMAZONA, it starts with an initial face-to-face meeting with the leader of the Kamcha Community – the modern shaman – Hugo Jamioy. Ana meets the Shaman and discusses with him the visions and the dreams he and his tribe had and how they can translate and represent these dreams into the designs of the beaded bracelets in terms of patterns, vision, colors and flowing lines.

Beside the dreams and visions, Hugo and the indigenous propose old age patterns that depict the nature of the rainforest and the world around them, their shamanic visions and symbols of their gods to create pieces that bring peace and fortune to its creator and wearer. Soon thereafter, the design process of FLOR AMAZONA jewellery starts as a spiritual journey.

Ana, in turn, shares with Hugo and the community of artisan her contemporary vanguard style. She also gives them her idea and vision of the range of metal types that could be used, shapes envisioned, the colors of the season and the varieties of designs that will be developed for her upcoming collection. Thus, a unique collaboration fusing Ana’s excellent taste of style with the spiritual culture of the indigenous tribes.

“Handcrafting is the way for the community to incorporate their feelings, dreams, and aspirations into their designs.” – Ana Maria Sarmiento

Ana and Hugo decide together on the collection: the final patterns, the colors, the measurements. Although, details are defined at the last stage. They prefer to take time during this stage, as changing a design at a later point in the process isn’t possible. Then, the chant begins. It usually takes around 3 months to handcraft all the items, to prepare the worldwide shipping and to start bringing fortune and protection to the wearers across the globe.

These beautiful handcrafted beaded bracelets with 24kt. gold plated magnetic clasps and ornaments are available at the BOUTIQUE of Style and Stories in LIMITED QUANTITIES.