THE WAYÚU CRAFT
Four characteristic features of this age-old heritage
THE WAYÚU CRAFT
Four characteristic features of this age-old heritage
THE WAYÚU
CRAFT
Four characteristic features of this age-old heritage
1. Ancestral origins
The Wayúu people are an indigenous population that have preciously preserved their cultural heritage across time. One of the ways by which they have been able to do this is through the weaving of their craft. As the legend has it, the first Wayuu was taught to weave by a spider, which they call Wale' Kerü in their native tongue.
1. Ancestral origins
The Wayúu people are an indigenous population that have preciously preserved their cultural heritage across time. One of the ways by which they have been able to do this is through the weaving of their craft. As the legend has it, the first Wayuu was taught to weave by a spider, which they call Wale' Kerü in their native tongue.
1. Ancestral origins
The Wayúu people are an indigenous population that have preciously preserved their cultural heritage across time. One of the ways by which they have been able to do this is through the weaving of their craft. As the legend has it, the first Wayuu was taught to weave by a spider, which they call Wale' Kerü in their native tongue.
2. Made using natural materials
Washein's hats and bags are crafted purely out of natural materials sourced local to where the artisans live. This material is straw and is obtained from a native palm tree known as Mawisa and found abundantly around the Serrania de la Macuira and Serrania del Perijá.
The inherent strength and flexibility of the Mawisa straw mean that the hats and bags will endure the harshest climates without loosing its rigidity and aesthetic qualities for many years.
3. It's full of symbolic meaning
The rich patterning and geometric shapes in the Wayuu weaving are called Kaanás, which literally mean "the art of weaving drawings" in Wayuunaiki. This ancestral figures date back to the pre-Colombian era and, due to their great beauty, are never forgotten among the Wayúu and is always incorporated in their weaving.
Kaanás reflect an authentic expression of how the Wayúu people interpret and abstract elements of their everyday life to create stylised forms of great symbolism. Among them are turtle shells, cow's tripes, fish's eyes, and constellations of stars.
4. It's part of the Wayuu's traditional costume
The region of La Guajira is covered in its majority by an arid desert and hit by an intense sun almost all year round. To alleviate this hostile climate, costumes that are practical, economical, and resistant are a must.
In response to these needs, the current age-old weaving technique emerged. A technique that is passed through generations and used to create essential goods to the Wayuu life. The hats are used by all in the community to cover from the sun, the mochilas are essential to transport food, and the hammocks serve as their rest spots.
At Washein we view this with deep admiration for the capacity of human beings to adapt and thrive in the face of great difficulties.
2. Made using natural materials
Washein's hats and bags are crafted purely out of natural materials sourced local to where the artisans live. This material is straw and is obtained from a native palm tree known as Mawisa and found abundantly around the Serrania de la Macuira and Serrania del Perijá.
The inherent strength and flexibility of the Mawisa straw mean that the hats and bags will endure the harshest climates without loosing its rigidity and aesthetic qualities for many years.
3. It's full of symbolic meaning
The rich patterning and geometric shapes in the Wayuu weaving are called Kaanás, which literally mean "the art of weaving drawings" in Wayuunaiki. This ancestral figures date back to the pre-Colombian era and, due to their great beauty, are never forgotten among the Wayúu and is always incorporated in their weaving.
Kaanás reflect an authentic expression of how the Wayúu people interpret and abstract elements of their everyday life to create stylised forms of great symbolism. Among them are turtle shells, cow's tripes, fish's eyes, and constellations of stars.
4. It's part of the Wayuu's traditional costume
The region of La Guajira is covered in its majority by an arid desert and hit by an intense sun almost all year round. To alleviate this hostile climate, costumes that are practical, economical, and resistant are a must.
In response to these needs, the current age-old weaving technique emerged. A technique that is passed through generations and used to create essential goods to the Wayuu life. The hats are used by all in the community to cover from the sun, the mochilas are essential to transport food, and the hammocks serve as their rest spots.
At Washein we view this with deep admiration for the capacity of human beings to adapt and thrive in the face of great difficulties.
2. Made using natural materials
Washein's hats and bags are crafted purely out of natural materials sourced local to where the artisans live. This material is straw and is obtained from a native palm tree known as Mawisa and found abundantly around the Serrania de la Macuira and Serrania del Perijá.
The inherent strength and flexibility of the Mawisa straw mean that the hats and bags will endure the harshest climates without loosing its rigidity and aesthetic qualities for many years.
3. It's full of symbolic meaning
The rich patterning and geometric shapes in the Wayuu weaving are called Kaanás, which literally mean "the art of weaving drawings" in Wayuunaiki. This ancestral figures date back to the pre-Colombian era and, due to their great beauty, are never forgotten among the Wayúu and is always incorporated in their weaving.
Kaanás reflect an authentic expression of how the Wayúu people interpret and abstract elements of their everyday life to create stylised forms of great symbolism. Among them are turtle shells, cow's tripes, fish's eyes, and constellations of stars.
4. It's part of the Wayuu's traditional costume
The region of La Guajira is covered in its majority by an arid desert and hit by an intense sun almost all year round. To alleviate this hostile climate, costumes that are practical, economical, and resistant are a must.
In response to these needs, the current age-old weaving technique emerged. A technique that is passed through generations and used to create essential goods to the Wayuu life. The hats are used by all in the community to cover from the sun, the mochilas are essential to transport food, and the hammocks serve as their rest spots.
At Washein we view this with deep admiration for the capacity of human beings to adapt and thrive in the face of great difficulties.
The wayúu craft in modern life
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The wayúu craft in modern life
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FOLLOW US @WASHEINUK
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The wayúu craft in modern life