Frog neck ornament

Full view of a Frog neck ornament
Possibly Waiwai, Guyana (British Guiana), 19th century
Frogs, mangrove seeds, vegetable fibre,
Accession Number DP Temp 2995

In many Amazonian myths, frogs are important, powerful beings. Some Arawak and Carib groups believe that frogs brought fire to the people and taught them how to hunt, grow cassava and make music.

Frogs are believed to bring rain by their chorus before a storm. Among some groups, they are sometimes used as charms by hunters and by pregnant women.


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