A WOVEN EXPRESSION OF LIFE

Ospina — Ninety percent of the Wayuu women weave, so we essentially believe that to be a woman is to know how to weave. We learned the craft from our mothers and grandmothers, so did my mother. She was taught by my grandmother and so the tradition continues. It is a practice that goes on through generations. We weave chinchorros which are similar to hamacas [hammocks] and, of course, the mochila.

Ospina —A mochila is a woven bag that is common amongst the indigenous tribes of Northern Colombia. It is used to carry everyday items that one would need. There are a few sizes depending on what the weaver decides to make. We even produce a large mochila that is the equivalent of a luggage or a travel suitcase.

Ospina — The Wayuu mochila is most recognizably different from the others, because we use different materials such as cotton and\or synthetic acrylic fiber to weave vibrant colors in our design. Our local symbology, its design, and its iconography consists of the living experiences of the Wayuu people, that's why it is different.

Ospina —Like all weaving patterns, a mochila starts the same way, using the knitting needles and the selected fiber. But what makes the process different is that when a woman starts a mochila, she gets inspired from her surrounding environment and its colors to create the design that best represents her personal experience. This could be the nature in general, or the colors of the dawn or sunset, the color of the Iguaraya fruit [which is red] or a cactus. All of these colors are within our reach in our surroundings, and inspire the designs.

Ospina — People are very interested in the mochila designs, and these can now be found in many markets across Colombia, and mochila creations of varying quality are sold around the world. For me, what demonstrates good quality is when the mochila is weaved in one strand and finished with straight edges. The mochila should be able to maintain itself in an upright position without folding on itself.

Ospina — Weaving is an expression of our living culture, our day- to-day experiences, and if it ends, then the Wayuu way of life will also end. It would extinguish our tribe, if this tradition ceased to exist.