The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters, starting at a very young age. Their fabrics find a place in utilitarian objects of their daily lives: fishing nets, blankets, backpacks, and hammocks.
Weaving is intricately tied to family lineage and prestige. The more skills women demonstrate in weaving, the more prestige they gain within the clan.
Discovering the Soul of Textile Art
When we delve into the Wayúu tradition of weaving, we embrace two fundamental techniques: crochet and hand looms.
The introduction of crochet is credited to Spanish monks. This technique breathes life into the smallest pieces, using a single thread. A bag, woven with patience and love, can take up to 20 days. In response to growing demand, in recent years, some artisans have incorporated the use of two threads to complete these unique creations more quickly.
For larger pieces, such as blankets and hammocks, the Wayúu turn to a rudimentary loom called Anütpala. This loom takes shape through two forked trunks (añiruwi) firmly anchored in the ground in a vertical position. These trunks, in turn, support two horizontal crossbars that serve as a frame for stretching the warp.
With every stitch and every thread, the Wayúu weave not only with skill but also with the beat of their history and the essence of their culture. They weave not just fibers but also the ties that bind generations and communities.
Choosing Colors: An Inspired Palette
Before the hooks even dance, Wayuu artisans carefully select threads, creating a palette that goes beyond simple colors. Each shade carries within it the emotions of nature, traditions, and our daily lives. These threads become the canvas on which our stories come to life.
The Basic Stitch: Weaving Memories
At the heart of each bag is the single crochet stitch, a technique our artisans master with skill passed down from generation to generation. Each stitch is not just a gesture but a weaving of memories, creating a sturdy texture that withstands time.
Traditional Patterns: Odes to Nature
The art of weaving designs is known as Kaanás. Most designs represent significant figures for the Wayúu people. The compositions are crafted by repeating geometric shapes, creating borders throughout the edges of the fabrics. The most prestigious abstract representations include mountains, indigenous fauna (goats, cattle, fish), and flora. Each symbol has its meaning, and there are many, highly varied.
A Story in Every Bag
By choosing a Wayuu bag, you embrace a story, a tradition, a culture that transcends borders. Each bag is unique, and each crochet is an embrace of the past and present.
Explore with us the intimate art of Wayuu crochet and treat yourself to more than just a bag: a piece of our heritage, a sustainable piece with a story you will wear with pride."
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