One of the most fascinating aspects of Anthill Garnets (also known as Chrome Pyrope) is the process in which they are gathered. These gems are not actually ‘mined’ at all! For many generations, Navajo families have hand-picked these rough stones from the land in a traditional manner that maintains the culture and respect for the land. Continue reading to learn of the process that Columbia Gem House’s sourcing partner, Jaymus, performs when gathering.
First, the anticipated harvest area is hand raked a year in advance, then given time for the Spring temperatures to eventually melt the Winter snow. After this, when Jaymus arrives on site, he begins with the Holy Prayers that his grandfather taught him. These prayers are a type of personal ceremony given for the stones as they leave their birthplace (gathering place) and travel to another part of the world. This way, the Navajo gatherer stays with them as they act as representatives of Navajo Land. He prays to the Iconic Navajo Goddess Changing Woman, with a fellow acknowledgement to Talking God, and an additional prayer dedicated to Black God. Each of these Navajo Deities have a direct relationship within the religious beliefs of the traditional Navajo people. Jaymus also gives an introductory prayer as he is facing towards the East; explaining his intentions and the basis of his visit to gather. Why face the East? As He shares, it’s because the Sun raises from the East and brings forth Life (waking up), Heat (heat rays warming our cold body), Sight (see beyond the darkness), and Growth (plants, food, breath). Over the course of these prayers, Jaymus also acknowledges the Ant people for introducing them and in helping him and his family find these rough stones via anthills.
Once the prayers have been spoken, Jaymus walks to visually scan the area. At this point, he moves to his hands and knees, to hand-pick and gather rough pieces of Anthill Garnets scattered on over 40+ acres of land. In some cases, this process will occur over just a single day, though during summer months, it may last over multiple days. Once the gathering process has been completed, a final ‘Thank You’ prayer is given. Jaymus thanks the Navajo deities and finds local sagebrush to dust his feet, body, swipe the ground to free it from any foot tracks. After, he leaves some of the remaining sagebrush on his vehicle bumper and dashboard as he leaves the gathering location with the newly gathered stones.
Jaymus is now the sole caretaker, gatherer, and protector of these stones. As passed on by his grandfather, this is a gift, which is part of why they do not ‘mine’ or ‘dig’ these stones. Words Jaymus shared from his grandfather: ‘The Red Ants that create these anthill mounds themselves are not just digging to remove. There is a specific purpose behind their own direct actions. As such, there needs to be a specific action(s) behind your own needs, in your own daily life, your own daily actions. We/you are not to take things forcefully that which does not belong to you personally. So, we gather.’ These stones are gifts from Mother Earth herself, and thus, are gathered rather than taken from her.
We hope this tradition continues for generations to come but are grateful for the relationship we’ve grown to develop with Jaymus. There is always more to learn about Anthill Garnets and the traditional Navajo gathering process or beliefs in relation to these wonderful gems.
