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Stones with a hole going through Episode CCXXV- 225
Etnia Nativa is where you can connect with the mysti-
cal aspects of Aruba, its culture, and its traditional heri-
tage. This platform encourages visitors to engage with
our island`s unique cultural setting.
In this episode, we will refer to stones that have holes,
which most of the time were attributed to some kind
of magic power and were considered fascinating by
insinuating or causing a soothing satisfaction. They
have many names and are of different origins; most
belong to superstition and folklore from thousands of
years ago. If you look good, they are not difficult to
find. Some can be found near seashores, others can
be found on mountains or on open plains. It depends
on their size and composition.
The hole or perforation generally allows one to pass a
string through it, creating a sort of pendant. It is more
obvious that thousands of years ago, perforated ing water gave them a spell-breaking Odin, a highly revered god in Norse
stone hanging on a string caused a sort of impression quality, and so wearing or carrying mythology, transmuted himself into a
to those who saw it, while transforming the ornament these fascinating stones gave rise to worm and slipped through a hole in a
into a powerful amulet for those who wore one. From many legends around the world. rock to steal “the mead of poetry”.
here, many stories of counter magic and supersti-
tions emanated all over the world’s cultures, of stones An ancient belief that only good things Perforated stones are also known as
spreading supernatural protection and becoming sa- could pass through a hole suggests “witch or hag stones.” There are many
cred amulets that are highly coveted today. that good luck and good wishes would rituals, benefits, and beliefs associated
find you through a magic stone. Look- with hag stones, such as wearing them
Many of our island perforated stones occur natural- ing through the holes of these stones to protect from witches and provide
ly, and most of them are manly composed of coral, by day is said to improve your eyesight, spiritual awareness. Hag Stones pro-
sandstone, or sea shells. Holes are the result of weath- and by night, you can see those ethe- vide protection as well as emotional,
ering or sea creatures. Each one of these magnificent real beings that are not usually visible physical, and energetic healing, pro-
stones is unique. No two will be alike. In some of them, to your physical eye. viding insight and wisdom into how to
you can see that it is a perfect hole created by a navigate life. Another name is serpent
predator, and in others, it is caused by erosion. The different names by which these stone, made of hydrated magnesium
stones are known always derive from silicate, similar to a snake or serpent’s
Based on the assumption that the holes in these stones mysticism, mythology, and shamanic skin. Snakes have traditionally been
were created by the movement of water, ancient beliefs. For example, Odin’s Stones, in messengers of evil in Western culture.
folklore beliefs that magic cannot work through mov- honor of a mythological poem in which However, that does not mean a ser-
pent stone is a flawed stone.
Some ethno-archaeological studies
revealed that perforated stones were
also used as weights for fishing nets.
While other cultures used perforated
stones as spindle stones in yarn elabo-
ration, others used a branch of a tree
as a handle that was placed as a shaft
or mallet, taking the form of a tool
for multiple uses or even a club-style
weapon.
If you are keen to explore Aruba’s
deep heritage, Etnia Nativa is a place
to connect. A private residential, a
house which integrates natural and
reused materials, bursting with art, cul-
ture, and island heritage. Each visitor is
guided through an authentic encoun-
ter with owner-builder and cultural ex-
pert.
Booking a magical glimpse inside Etnia
Nativa WhatsApp +297 592 2702 etni-
anativa03@gmail.com.q
