Shipibo Amazon Seed Bead Necklace - Ayahuasca Vine Pendant

Ayahuasca is a vine cultivated in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil (the Amazon). Ayahuasca is the basis of some plant medicine in the Amazon rainforest and has gained fame from its use by shamans. The medicine is made at certain places at certain auspicious times with chants and prayers in sacred ritual. The potion is made from at least two plants (the ayahuasca vine and Chakruna leaves) but includes other ingredients which vary depending on the maker, and represents one of the most important remedies in the Amazon. The Huayruro plant is a legume type, found mainly in tropical regions. The red seeds of this plant are classified as male (macho) and female seeds (hembra). Male seeds display black spots while the female are completely red. The Shipibo use these seeds in their jewelry and believe them to bring balance and luck. NOTE: Huayruro seeds (the red and black seeds in some of the jewelry) are known to be poisonous if ingested. We recommend that any jewelry with huayruro seeds be kept away from children.