The use of seeds in making jewelry and body ornaments has been in practice for thousands of years. Back in my home country, Colombia, and in particular in cities like Bogotá, beautiful necklaces, bracelets and key chains made with chocos (huayruros), achiras (chirilla), bombona (pambil) and chumbimba (jabon) seeds are commonly found on the streets as they are sold by street vendors and beggars. Unfortunately, the beauty of the craft is often lost due to the conditions that bring these artisans to the city. Many of these street artisans and beggars are indigenous men and women, and farmers that have been displaced from their rural homes because of threats or killings carried out by FARC rebels in their communities ... to read more.
