The Wayuu 

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Who they are:

The Wayuu (pronounced “wah-you”) are known as the people of the sun, sand,

and wind. They are an indigenous Latin American group. They are located in the

Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia and north west Venezuela.There is thought

to be around 140,000 – 150,000 Wayuu people living in Colombia, with another

almost 300,000 living across the border in Venezuela. As matriarchs of family clans,

the Wayuu women have assumed leadership positions and as such all family

members and the community at large look toward them for guidance in preserving

the Wayuu culture.

 

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What they do better than anyone in the world:

The women of the Wayuu tribe are expert weavers, they have been weaving and crocheting for

generations and have retained the beautiful traditional designs. The mochilas (bags) are truly

special and each bag is one-of-a-kind. Their intricate designs, range of colours and the use

of geometric figures make them stunning. Many of the woven designs represent the natural

elements that surround the Wayuu, such as animals, the sun, plants and the stars. It takes the

women approximately 10-15 days to make a double thread bag and 15-20 days to complete a

single thread bag.They are truly a labour of love. 

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Why it matters:

As many people from the indigenous Wayuu community have little education,

crocheting these Wayuu bags is a major source of income that they have become

dependent on to raise their families. These beautiful bags each tells the story

of a community of a people and the strength and formidable women attached

to them. Each woven thread is a reminder of a bigger world and the bond we

share as women.

 

 

 Femme Faire supports the women from the

 Wayuu tribe, through empowerment, continuous work and ethical trade