Mother Earth Seed Necklace
Our Mother Earth Seed Bead Necklace is created from these startling red seed beads – startling because of the richness of the red color and the sheer smoothness of each seed bead – by young single mothers living in the town of Villa De Leyva in the high Andes mountains. Each is uniquely designed with a sprinkling of silver beads that are recycled from “peso” coins.
This four-strand necklace is a stunning reflection of Mother Earth’s rich and natural abundance and a perfect accessory for all seasons. Measurement: Our necklace measures 18″ long and has flexible links that allow you to wear it as a choker or a longer necklace. A Story Card is always included.
The Story
If you were to walk into the Amazon jungles of Colombia you would come across thousands of smooth reddish “choco” beads scattered on the jungle floor – an important nutrient for the earth and said to symbolize prosperity and good luck by local indigenous groups.
Today, 2 million of Colombia’s 44 million people are reputed to have been displaced from their homes as a result of a civil conflict that has raged in this South American nation since the 1950s. Colombia is now considered to have the third largest displaced population in the world after Sudan and Angola. Women account for more than 55% of all displaced families and are left to rebuild their lives and to create a livelihood for their shattered families.
It was this harsh reality that led a small fair trade workshop called “Joyeria Semilla” or “seed bead jewelry” to create an enterprise that would serve a population of marginalized youth between the ages of 9-25 years who were at a high risk of delinquency, alcholism and poverty and were all affected by the civil conflict that permeated their lives. Today, many of the youth are offered skills and training in a variety of enterprises including craft that will enable them to feel valued by their communities.
Our Mother Earth Seed Bead Necklace is primarily created by young single mothers – many who have escaped a life of prostitution -and who are now able to earn a dignified livelihood whilst supporting their young children.
