Brazil has recently become the lead soybean producer globally. Soybean production in Brazil has caused not only major harm to indigenous populations, but also major deforestation of the already largely endangered Amazon Rainforest. Production companies practice stealing land from indigenous peoples, as well as keeping their workers in harsh conditions comparable to slavery.

In an attempt to reclaim the stories of Indigenous Brazilians who are facing the brute force of export and labor exploitation, I have created a jewelry piece inspired by the traditional artwork and craft of indigenous tribes in Brazil. Culturally, these types of pieces are used for celebration and identification. By creating such a piece out of soybeans, I attempt to celebrate, identify, and acknowledge the people who have suffered at the hand of the Brazilian soybean industry. Through this, I hope to bring light to the suffering that many people have faced for centuries in the exploitative labor production industries. 

By reconnecting the producers with the product, I attempt to remind viewers to honor the culture and humanness of those who produced what they are consuming, instead of blindly consuming. Through traditional craft, I bring in a celebratory and joyful nature of Brazilian culture to pay homage to those suffering in the country at the hand of abuse and exploitation, and stand in solidarity with the people of my country and their freedom.