One last look of distinct Caribbean landscapes and experiences
When hiking to Pinching Bay — one of Antigua’s hidden gems on the west coast — you might come across the distinctive woody vines (Abrus precatorius) that bear jumbie bead pods. Known in the Caribbean by many names — like rosary peas, John Crow beads, love peas, and wild liquorice — these (highly toxic) seeds are used to make jewellery, belts, talismans, and in percussion instruments like maracas. In Caribbean folklore, they serve as protection against spiritual harm (maljo or malevolent jumbies/spirits). And in the West African Ifa tradition, they are used in divination and associated with Esu/Elegba.