Maquech Beetles – Mexico’s Controversial Living Breathing Jewelry

[Faline]

The Maquech Beetle can make any nature lover or animal rights activist scream in horror. Entomophobics (creepy-crawly-haters) would probably run as far away as possible from this kind of jewelry, and for good reason, as every Maquech is actually a live bejeweled insect. As hard as it may be to even conceive wearing bugs as accessories, they are something of a fashion statement in Mexico.



Jewelry enthusiasts in Mexico have been flocking at stores to buy these ‘pet-cessories’ since the 1980s. The brooch is actually a part of a centuries-old Mayan tradition of decorating wingless beetles from the Yucatan Peninsula. Gemstones and gold are glued on the beetle’s body which sounds like a cruel process which has been denounced by animal activists in the past. The insects themselves are pretty harmless and docile, quite perfect to play the part of living jewelry. Each one has a decorative safety pin attached to it with a 2-inch-long chain leash. When pinned to clothing, the beetles can wander around, but can never get away.



There’s a beautiful story in Mayan folklore behind the tradition of Maquech brooches. It is said that when a Mayan princess was not permitted to marry her love, she stopped eating and drinking altogether. Seeing her plight, a medicine man transformed her into a Maquech beetle, so she could spend the rest of her life as a beautiful living brooch on the chest of her lover, close to his heart.

Apparently, Maquech Beetles can live up to 3-4 years if properly taken care of. Although it can’t really be passed down from generation to generation, the trend of wearing these unique pieces of jewelry is increasingly popular in Mexico. If you cross the Mexican border though you'll get $500 fine.

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[Bastet]

Oh poor little beetles, they would be so beautiful and sweet without those damn decorations Yes, I may be a bit hypersensitive since I have a soft spot for all kinds of creepy crawlies.

[Steve]

It's no worse than those stupid people that dye their pooches coats all manner of colors, they seriously wind me up.

[ices]

I'd still squish dem motherfuckers with my boot or a grenade.

[blee]

so what happens when you take it off at night?? "honey, did you lock your beetle up?" ha!

[Pyramid_Head]

Stupid sums it up

[DJSmurf2010]

Only in Mexico......

On another note, do you have to feed your " Jewelery " ?

[Angelahh]

um figures mexico would have jewelry that would shit and piss on you

[Kadavar]

Weirdos!