This timeless collection of handmade necklace pendants features solid copper medallions; styled and textured to mimic stone petroglyphs found throughout the Caribbean islands where the Taíno people carved sacred symbols into rock faces. These petroglyphs, known as pictographs, depicted spiritual beings, astronomical observations, and ceremonial scenes that were central to Taíno cosmology and religious practices. All jewelry is handcrafted using traditional metalworking techniques, ensuring that you're getting a one-of-a-kind item that honors the artistic heritage of the Taíno people. No two pieces are identical, reflecting the individual artisan's interpretation of these ancient symbols.

The Taínos, Guanín and Copper

The metal that was most valued by the Tainos was called Guanín, which (to them) was more precious than gold to the indigenous communities of the Caribbean.

The name Guanín is from the language of the Taíno people, who inhabited the Caribbean islands including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola from approximately 1000 CE until European contact in the late 15th century. Unlike other indigenous cultures of the Americas, the Tainos did not know the process of melting metals, as archaeological evidence has not revealed metal smelting or alloying of metals by pre-Columbian native peoples in the Caribbean region, though some evidence suggests they may have had metallurgical skills and possibly mined copper.

Guanín was not naturally occurring, therefore highly prized by the Tainos for its rarity, reddish color, brilliant shine, and unique smell which they correlated with physical intimacy and associated it with both worldly and supernatural powers. To the Tainos, Guanín had connotations with a divine origin, the spirit world and supernatural power. Guanín has been in use in the Caribbean basin since at least the 1st century, if not earlier.

Findings of metallic objects associated with Taino amulets and necklaces were analyzed to show that the alloy consisted of 85% copper. Other metals mixed were gold and silver. However, compositional analysis has revealed variations in different artifacts, with one documented prehistoric gold-copper alloy artifact showing roughly 55% copper, 5% silver and 40% gold. This alloy was often crafted into necklaces or pendants for the Cacique (chief), and these guanín objects are the only examples of gold-copper-silver alloys to be found in Cuba.

To the Tainos, Guanín had connotations with a divine origin, the spirit world and supernatural power.

The Lasting Legacy of the Tainos

The petroglyphs scattered throughout the Caribbean are of profound sacredness. These timeless symbols are not adornments. They awaken an enigmatic wisdom we all carry deep within, from times long past.

“These jewelry pieces pay homage to those markings left behind by the Tainos.”

When you hold one of these solid copper pendants, pay close attention to the tiny indentations etched in its design. There’s an organic roughness that enhances the simple beauty of copper, which plastic jewelry cannot replicate.