special gift

Also known as the Andean cross, the chakana is an ancient symbol often seen in Peru's ancient art. It represents the Southern Cross. One of the pre-Hispanic astral symbols that presided over the Andean universe, the chakana symbolizes order in family and community life. It is taken from a constellation of stars forming a square, and represents the universe connected to the center of the world. It also symbolizes a stairway toward the most high. "For me, the chakana also represents spirituality," Maria Astuhuaman confides. "It serves as a medium of connection between us and the divine." The artisan presents a sterling silver chacana in a 10 mm-wide red faux leather bracelet.

People reach their hands out and embrace to form a circle. Crafted of sterling silver, it centers a unity necklace by Adriana de Gadea, created in response to the challenges in today's world. "Today, the world invites us to all become one. Each person in this pendant represents one of Novica's regions where we all come together," she explains.

Three coca leaves come together in a bouquet known as a kintu. In Andean thought, it is a symbol of the union of the three worlds — the worlds of the living, of the dead and of the gods. It is also a favorite offering to Pachamama, the Mother Earth. Centering a red cord unity bracelet by Jorge Perez, the pendant is crafted of sterling silver.

Maria Astuhuaman creates a bright and beautiful unity bracelet. A polished disc of sterling silver poses on red faux leather. It bears the letter S, ending in an arrow. In 2015, world leaders adopted mutual objectives to help eradicate poverty and assure prosperity while protecting the planet. "The pendant depicts the symbol for Objective 12, which seeks to do more with less and disconnect economic growth from ecological destruction, as we try to promote sustainable lifestyles," the Peruvian artisan explains. With this design, she encourages us to live in unity with nature.