Lola Buaya means “Grandmother Crocodile” in Waray. Crocodiles are still honored as ancestors throughout parts of South and Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines. In the Philippines, we refer to crocodiles as Lola, Lolo, Nono, and other names of reverence. Traditionally, our people lived alongside these great beings.

Western industrialization and eco-imperialism have affected how the majority of Filipinos and indigenous people in the Philippines interact with crocodiles. “Lolong” was the largest crocodile on record in captivity. The leader of Lolong’s hunt died a few days before Lolong was captured by a team, a prescient warning regarding the mistreatment of these spiritually significant creatures. Lolong died two years after his capture due to poor zoo care.

During colonization by the Spanish, priests and government officials punished the witches, sorceresses, and healers for over 300 years by feeding them to crocodiles in our lagoons. But before colonization many clans and tribes, especially warrior-class people, traced back their origins to otherworldly crocodile-like people. The crocodile can be a human ancestor, a shapeshifter being or witch, or a diwata or deity who lives in the water.

Trinidad consecrated this brass amulet in the Dragon Mountain monastery in California. Use this amulet in rituals that connect you to your bloodlines, water deities, and water anitos.

Material: Brass, lead-free

Dimensions: 7.62 cm, ~3 inches