Stone Holder inspired by the Chakana Cross, the symbol for the Inca Cross.
Also associated with the Manay-Ki. The nine rites of initiation to become a person of wisdom and power.
This interpretation of the Chakana is actually my new design for the Interchangeable Stone Holder. The interchangeable stone pictured here is Turquoise.The stones that fit these stone holders are round donut shaped and are called Pi Stones.
The Cross is made of pure copper with a glass bead textured surface. The bail or holder is made of sterling silver. Set in the center is a beautiful Almandine Garnet from Mozambique surrounded by a green Jade Pi stone set in a fine silver bezel.
There are many different perspectives on the meaning of the Chakana or Inca Cross. However, they all share some common elements.
From an Astrological perspective, the cross represents the star constellation known as the Southern Cross. The twelve corners represent the twelve months of the calendar year. The four prongs or arms represent the directions on earth (the Inca did not refer to the cardinal directions we are accustomed to).
Animals are used to represent the different parts of the Chakana. The middle horizontal area is the Jaguar or Puma. This represents the earth plane we live on. Above this horizontal middle area is the spirit world of the Condor. The area below is symbolized by the Serpent representing the world of the dead.