Golden Grass the “Jalapão” Gold

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

Pictures by Marly Rocha and Assessora de Comunicação da Agência de Desenvolvimento Turístico Estado do Tocantins

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“Capim dourado” - called golden grass (syngonanthus nitens) - actually is the stem of a small white flower from the “always-alive” plant species. In the flower are found the seeds that guarantee the perpetuation of the plant (native of Jalapão), and income for some people who live in “Jalapão”.


Golden grass only sprouts in “Jalapão” (read the article Jalapão the
world gorgeous desert ). It’s the thin stem with intense gold metallic shine that is used by local women to turn the grass into a variety of craft items: bags, earrings, bracelets, hats, mandalas (wall-hangings), baskets and decoration objects. These pieces with unique beauty have crossed Tocantins’ borders, distributed throughout Brazil and also abroad.

The art of working with golden grass was taught to local women by indigenous who inhabited the region. Today, the techniques of golden grass handicraft are still taught from generation to generation in the village of Mumbuca and also in the cities of Mateiros, Ponte Alta, Novo Acordo, Santa Tereza, Lagoa do Tocantins and in Prata, a village of São Felix do Jalapão County.

Besides tourism, another factor that is revolutionizing the local “Jalapão” economy is the growing popularity of golden grass craft. The handicraft made from golden grass straw look impressive brightness similar to gold. Almost like gold metal some pieces of golden grass handicraft can cost over $500.00 USD overseas.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit “Tocantins” and the “Jalapão” desert you must buy a souvenir made from golden grass and see how the skillful hands from artisans’ women work the grass. Amazing beautiful.


All handicraft jewelry are made by golden grass









This article has been sponsored by > AA Trade Company
and inside SL AA Trade Company, Cleary (128,128,0)




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