Karajá biju turning spatulas are traditional tools used by the Karajá indigenous people, who inhabit the region of the state of Tocantins, Brazil. These spatulas are generally made of wood, although they can also be carved from bone or other materials available in the region.
They have a specific shape, with one end flat and wide, often decorated with geometric patterns or traditional Karajá motifs. The other end is narrower, usually tapered, allowing it to be used for turning small beads or beads during the production process of traditional jewelry.
Biju turning spatulas play an essential role in the making of ornaments and handicrafts among the Karajá, characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate designs. These jewelry pieces are often worn on special occasions such as religious rituals, festivals, and community ceremonies, and are also valued as forms of cultural expression and identity for the Karajá people.
Although the production of traditional jewelry has been influenced by modernization and social changes over time, biju turning spatulas are still used in a traditional manner by the Karajá, keeping alive an important part of their culture and craft tradition.
