Maybe you have already had a Muiraquitã in your hands and didn't realize it!

Anyone who has seen a close-up representation of the muiraquitã, an indigenous sculpture molded from the amazonite stone, knows the curiosity this object sparks with its small details carved into the surface.

Mainly used as a necklace, this green artifact often takes the shape of a frog 🐸, which raises many questions about its origin.

But what is the true purpose of this amulet within indigenous culture? 🤔

It's almost like in this image, but it's made of stone.

Anyone who has ventured through 'Aritana and the Harpy's Feather' or 'Aritana and the Twin Masks' already knows the benefits of the muiraquitã. This amulet protects those who carry it, warding off diseases and evil spirits. 👻

Despite its historical origin not being precise, the most famous story, and possibly the first account of muiraquitãs, is the battle of the Icamiabas defending the Amazon River from the Spanish.

In 1542, Friar Gaspar de Carvajal reported this terrible battle in which the Spanish faced great warriors known as the Amazons and had to retreat to avoid defeat. 🏹

The evolution of the Muiraquitã within the Aritana franchise.

This is the first known account of an encounter with the Amazons. Although Friar Gaspar does not mention the object, later accounts describe other encounters with these warriors, mentioning the possession of an artifact we now know as the muiraquitã.

The legend of the muiraquitã comes from the Amazons, a tribe of skilled warriors, who celebrated the moon 🌘 once a year. On this day, they allowed the entry of a few selected men chosen by them as their husbands.

At the end of the celebration, the Amazons would dive into the river and retrieve clay from the bottom that would begin to harden when exposed to air. They would mold the muiraquitã and give it to their partner as a protective amulet.

In Aritana and the Harpy's Feather, by finding five muiraquitãs, you can make an offering at the end of the level.

The muiraquitã is considered a sacred artifact and is believed to bring luck and healing for various diseases. Even today, you can find these objects at craft fairs, and I have one myself! 😬

Besides craft fairs, the muiraquitã has been referenced in various works. Just like in the Aritana games, where the muiraquitã is a great ally in facing the Mapinguari, it was also a central theme in 'Macunaíma' by Mário de Andrade.

You can find a hidden muiraquitã on the 500,000 cruzeiros banknotes circulated in honor of the author. If you’ve ever had one of these, you had a muiraquitã without realizing it! 🤑

500,000 cruzeiros banknote in honor of Mário de Andrade.

You can't talk about indigenous culture without mentioning this curious artifact. The legend of the muiraquitã is a great story honor in our games.

But it’s not the only artifact with great stories behind it. In Aritana, we bring many other legends and stories into a universe full of adventures, such as the legend of the Mapinguari and even curiosities about Yaci and Kuâra. 🌞

If you want to see more, we have a 💥free comic book💥! Look below and learn more about another curious artifact, the staff carried by the wizeman Raoni!

Get your comic book 'Merecedor' and learn more about the game 'Aritana and the Harpy's Feather', an award-winning game entirely made in Brazil! 🦅