Chloe Marie Yoga

I’ve just returned from a transformative journey in Peru, where I had the privilege of teaching yoga at a spiritual retreat nestled within the Sacred Valley. Naturally, my eyes were open to finding beads and jewelry that could be woven into a meaningful creation, embodying the essence of this profound experience. While I’m convinced that a single piece won’t suffice (stay tuned for more artistic revelations), my initial offering is a rosary that was ignited by the spark of inspiration from a smaller Huayruro bead rosary I stumbled upon during my explorations.

Although my purpose for this trip was primarily centered around work, my aspirations extended to fully immersing myself in the retreat’s spiritual essence. This involved delving into my personal cultural and spiritual identities. While I don’t share a Peruvian heritage, I firmly believe that, like a tree, there are common roots binding all Latin Americans due to shared histories marked by upheaval, forced conversions, and the shadows of slavery.

My time in Peru got me thinking about about the intricate ways in which Latin American Catholicism serves as a vessel for indigenous practices that remained concealed, prompting me to further explore the intersection of spirituality and heritage. And the way I best do that is by creating…

Crafting jewelry is more to me than just a way to make a living. When I make rosaries and prayer beads, it’s like I’m weaving art that represents my spirituality and where I come from. While I do enjoy making traditional pieces, I also love creating prayer beads that break the mold, showing how our roots are all tangled up. Despite efforts to erase indigenous cultures all throughout Latin America, indigenous beliefs managed to survive and thrive under the cover of Catholicism. The rosary I meticulously fashion, adorned with Peruvian Huayruro and Palo Santo beads, encapsulates this fusion—a testament to the hidden resilience of indigenous spirituality interwoven with the veneer of Catholicism across generations.