Colombia is rich, diverse and colorful, and its handicrafts are no exception! We love the materials and colors that always transport us to the four corners of the country. Every region has its own savoir-faire, from macramé bags to finely woven hammocks, from pottery to goldsmithing, from the widest sombreros to the most beautiful ponchos… Colombia is full of treasures! So we’re offering you a wide range of souvenirs to take home with you in your suitcase. We’re off!
The centerpiece: The Mochila Wayuu
It is by far the best-known « Made in Colombia » piece in the country. The Wayuu mochila (« satchel ») has established itself as the flagship accessory of Colombian indigenous craftsmanship. With its bright colors and geometric patterns, the Wayuu mochila is appreciated by all, and increasingly by the international community! It is made in the heart of the Guajira desert in the north-east of the country by the women of the Wayuu community. It takes several days of painstaking, ancestral work. You can find and buy Wayuu mochilas all over the country, but Riohacha is the capital of the Wayuu Mochila. We advise you to avoid haggling: the work involved is considerable, and the Wayuu rely heavily on the sale of this craft to support their community and their families.
The legendary goldsmiths of Mompox
The small village of Mompox alone is worth a thousand visits, and all the more so with its legendary craftsmanship: silver or gold filigree jewelry. This is an ancestral skill: when Mompox was still the main port of call for Spanish trawlers loaded with gold, the art of filigree was born. Today, there are almost 200 goldsmiths still working on unique pieces using techniques left by their Arab ancestors. The work is incredibly meticulous and spectacular. We invite you to visit these workshops, which are simply breathtaking!
The timeless Vueltiao hat
The quintessential symbol of Colombia, the Vueltiao hat totally represents the country! This hat is traditionally created in the department of Cordoba by the Zenu community. It is made from « caña flecha », a plant that is also used to make beautiful bags, belts and bracelets found all over Colombia. But the place of origin of this craft is generally the village of Tuchin.
San Jacinto's 100% Caribbean Hammock
Hammocks are legion in Colombia, in all colors and materials. No piece of handicraft better represents the Colombian way of life. You’ll find them everywhere, but it’s in San Jacinto, in the department of Bolivar, a few hours from Cartagena de Indias, that you’ll find the finest and most accomplished pieces in the country. Once again, if you have the opportunity to pass through the village or the surrounding area, bear in mind thata single hammock can take the craftsman between two and six months to make. It’s a colossal job, but the result is obviously there!
The unmissable Carriel de Jericó
The Carriel is a bag with a long history too. Originating in the village of Jericó in the Antioquia department of the Andes, it tells the story of over 120 years of tradition. An art that lives on today thanks to a few Paisa families, as the inhabitants of this region are called. Even if techniques have improved over the years, it’s still a painstaking and delicate craft. Carriel is full of secrets, just like all its little pockets.
