BARBARA MÜLLER
Born in Ji-Paraná, state of Rondônia
Based in Belém, state of Pará
Photo by Gleeson Paulino
Model Yasmin Morais
Barbara Müller’s artistic practice is deeply shaped by the Amazon, where she was born and lives in. She seeks out local raw materials and manual techniques, collaborating with local artisans – including master woodcarvers, goldsmiths and gem-cutters. With the aim of reusing materials, her unique jewellery favours natural remnants such as bark, wood, buffalo horn, along with precious metals. Her design approach honours the specific character of each material, finding authenticity in what might be seen as imperfection.
Feline bracelet and ring
2015 and 2017
Recycled Teka wood, recycled gold (Yby Bank)
The Feline bracelet pays homage to the many species of jaguar that inhabit the Amazon. Muller spent nearly a year refining the design, with each piece shaped according to the specific wood available. Two years later, she introduced the matching ring – both celebrating strength, elegance, and the wild spirit of the forest.
Stingray pendant/brooch
Poraquê collection, 2018
Recycled imbuia wood, recycled silver (Yby Bank), citrine (Leila Salame, Pará)
This pendant brings together the crafts of jewellery, woodcarving and gem-cutting inspired by the freshwater stingrays of the Amazon. Known for the poisonous sting in its tail, the stingray is both feared and admired. According to local tradition, those stung by a stingray will feel pain with every full moon – a haunting reminder of the power and memory of nature.
Tamuatá bracelet, Pirarucu bracelet
Poraquê collection, 2018
Recycled Teka wood, recycled gold (Yby Bank), repurposed ruby (from auctioned jewellery)
These bracelets are inspired by iconic Amazonian fish. The tamuatá, also known as the
bush fish, can survive short periods out of water. The pirarucu, also known as the giant fish, is a culinary staple, with every part used: its meat is eaten, its skin turned into leather, and its scales used like sequins or even nail files. Part of Müller’s Poraquê collection, the bracelets reflect research she conducted with ichthyologist Tiago Begot, exploring the rich biodiversity of the Amazon through jewellery.
Courtesy of the brand
Guaraná Eye clutch
Ver Pelos Olhos da Floresta collection, 2023
Certified cedarwood (Vestígios Vedac), recycled silver (Yby Bank), oil paint
According to a legend of the Sateré Mawé Indigenous people, the guarana plant was born from the eyes of a beautiful boy who was killed out of jealousy by Jurupari, the spirit of darkness. Guided by Tupã, the supreme god, the boy’s mother planted his eyes, and from
them grew the guarana vine. Carved from certified wood and hand-painted, the Guarana Eye clutch carries the symbolic protection of that legend. The stylised eyes act as an amulet against envy, embodying the forest’s power to heal and protect.
Tucunaré clutch
Poraquê collection, 2018
Repurposed cedro wood, recycled silver (Yby Bank), buffalo horn (by-product from Marajó island), coloured pencil enamel
This handcrafted clutch is part of a collection inspired by Amazonian fish species. Müller carried out research with the ichthyologist Tiago Bergot and at the Goeldi Museum archives. The tucunaré, or peacock bass, is one of the region’s most iconic species, with at least 14 known varieties across the Amazon basin. Crafted by local artisans – including wood sculptor Edmilson Silva, Carlos Oliveira, horn sculptor Tarciso Sousa and silversmiths Argemiro Munoz and Ednaldo Pereira – the piece unites scientific inquiry, traditional techniques and local materials in a vibrant homage to aquatic life.
Courtesy of the brand
