Our Crafts

General backpacks 

• The most common size for backpacks is 30cm x 30cm.
• The largest is 50cm x 55cm (Wayuú baskets are of this size) 
• Gaza (name by which the strip from which bags are hung is known in the tribe) 
• The gauze of the Wayuú bags is woven with 2 strands 
• The traditional raw material for Wayuú backpacks is Miratex thread, Arhuaca is virgin wool (it comes from the Sierra Nevada). 
• There are 3 types of fabrics, the traditional (with a needle), the cane flecha (with palm) and the paleteo (the loom is used). 
• The bags are woven and decorated with tassels, gimped braid, loose handles and bells. 

baskets 

• Made with Wayuú maguiza palm (same with which the vueltiao hat is made) 
• Each artisan leaves her mark on a bag
• The tassels are customizable, you can change the color and design 
• Custom ones take 20 days, not counting shipping
• The most traditional decorations are braids, tassels and flowers.
• Colors are added by using inks

Palletized envelopes and purses 

• Originally from the Montes de María (Sucre, San Jacinto) 
• Just like the baskets, they are made with Miratex thread. 
• This type of article combines different techniques
• Colors: 
• RED: What means the strength and vigor of the Wayuú race
• GREEN: It is located in the center and means trust, hope
• BLUE: Represents the mysticism and spirituality of the Maicaero man.

long envelopes 

• They are upholstered with modern techniques such as paleteo 
• For its elaboration, the needle is used at half a stitch
• Made with Miratex yarn 
• For decoration use traditional tassels 
• His gaza is braid type 
• Traditional colored inks are used 

hammocks 

• We have San jacinteras hammocks, one inspired by the vueltiao hat and a traditional one in raw macrame
• Made with the paletting technique and later woven by hand 
• Sanjacinteras-type hammocks are dyed to achieve modern colors 
• The hammock is made up of three parts: head, body, trimmings (fabrics that hang) 
• Garnishes are made by hand 

flower type backpack  

• They belong to the Wayuú collection pieces 
• It consists of a traditional handmade fabric
• It has tassels and traditional Wayuú flower fabric
• Its raw material is the Miratex thread 
• traditional colors 

Basket base backpacks

• Mix two techniques: traditional weaving and paletting 
• The symbology reflects the Wayuú daily life of the ranches 
• They are commonly woven and decorated with geometric figures. 
• It has a traditional loop with two strands 
• Its decoration is twisted braids 

Arhuaca backpacks  

• Arhuacas backpacks are made with virgin wool 
• The wool is extracted, mainly from the sheep of the Sierra Nevada, it is wound in a skein and if necessary it is dyed. 
• The figures are chosen by the craftsman who makes the backpack
• They are made 100% by hand 

embroidered backpacks 

• Made using the embroidery technique 
• Embroidered (fabric made in relief) 
• They have tassels and decoration with braids and bells. 
• Colors (chosen by the artisans) 
• Figures: they tell experiences of the artisans and their day to day in the rancherías 
• Twisted braid type gauze

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.

Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.