Even though there are Muiraquitãs (muy-rah-kee-ton) made out of a variety of different materials and in different shapes, they are typically small charms, carved in green stone (jade), usually in the shape of a frog and rarely larger than four inches. Known in Europe since colonial times, Muiraquitãs became a hot and avidly sought after commodity between the 17th and 19th centuries, for they were believed to be a powerful amulet with therapeutic qualities.

Found mainly in the region of the Nhamunda River, Muiraquitãs' origins are tightly related to the legend of the Icamiabas, or female natives. Legend has it that in certain nights of the year, the beautiful Icamiabas used to celebrate their victories over the opposite sex. On such occasions, they would throw a big celebration and parade down the hill where they lived until reaching the sacred lake, Yaci Uarua (Mirror of the Moon).

At night, when the moon shined over the lake, the Icamiabas, with their toned, tan bodies, would dive in the water and after purifying themselves, call upon the fairy-like Mother of the Muiraquitã, or "mother of the green stones," who would bestow upon each one of the women a green stone, carved in strange shapes. These stones were still soft when they took them, and would harden instantly as the women stepped out of the water.

Some say the amulets were actually living creatures released by Muiraquitã, and the Icamiabas had to catch them by cutting themselves and releasing a drop of blood over the male of their choosing. When this happened, the creature would die and the women would dive in the water to fetch them.

Each Icamiabas would also wear a Muiraquitã as a pendant around their neck for protection. Occasionally, these women would give the small charms away as gifts to the men they selected to father their children, representing their love, respect and gratitude and making evident the matriarchal structure of the community. These men displayed their charms with great pride, since they were proof of their value as warriors and fathers within the village.

It's currently almost impossible to find an authentic Muiraquitã, for most of the original ones were lost or stolen and sold in the black market to private collectors, although reproductions are still popular among locals and tourists. Natives profess these charms have the ability to predict the future and even cure diseases if worn in nocturnal rituals by the lake.