Let’s talk about menstruation. A pivotal moment in a girl’s life, when she transforms into a young woman, giving her the power to bear life. In Wayúu culture, the first menstruation of a girl is clearly marked by a period called the ‘encierro’ or confinement where she will acquire all the knowledge she will need to become a woman. During this time, the traditions of Wayúu culture and wisdom are passed down from mother to daughter, as women are seen to be the carriers of knowledge in their communities. This concept, known as ‘apüshi’, or maternal education, is used to teach girls to weave. Therefore, young Wayuu girls learn this art from their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other women from their tribe. The objects they will learn to weave will represent the beauty and mysticism of Wayuu culture, represented in shapes and colors with which she will transmit her way of thinking, and her way of life. FIRST MENSTRUATION AND THE 'ENCIERRO' In order to learn the art of weaving and fully evolve into a carrier of wisdom and knowledge, young Wayúu girls must go through a long period of ‘encierro’ or confinement. This isolation can last as long as a thousand days after a girl's first menstruation. During this period of confinement, the girl must dedicate herself to learning the wisdom of Wayúu weaving and other cultural traditions that are important to the Wayúu tribe. This confinement requires the girl to adapt to a demanding teaching schedule and to a diet based on corn and pumpkin. Although it is initially considered as a celebratory event, the 'encierro' can become very challenging. Over time, and with the guidance and support of their elders, young girls will learn the knowledge of the Wale 'Kerü, the mythological spider who passed down the secrets of weaving to Wayuu women in the form of Kanaas or traditional patterns. What are Kanaas? Symbology in Wayuu Bags WEAVING DREAMS INTO BAGS During their confinement, it is essential that young girls first master the art of weaving hammocks with cotton yarn. A hammock in Wayuu culture is the most important item and is considered a status symbol in the community. The Wayúu will use them not only for sleeping, but also for working and social gatherings. Once they have mastered hammocks, they progress to weaving Wayuu bags, to which they apply the same ancestral knowledge and wisdom. EMERGING INTO WOMANHOOD After the time spent learning how to become a respected woman, wife and mother in her community, the girl finally emerges a woman. They will also become the source of knowledge to their daughters, nieces and granddaughters of the future. To celebrate the end of the young girl's rite of passage, her community holds a celebratory 'yonna' dance during which the girl is presented suitors to start this new chapter of her life. The Meaning Behind The Sacred Wayuu Ritual of “El Encierro” Thanks to the lessons learned and knowledge acquired during her ‘encierro’ she is equipped with the tools she'll need to help her face the trials of life throughout womanhood. Sources “Chinchorros, mochilas y encierro: historia de las Wayúu”, Artesanias de Colombia “El mito y el rito en los procesos identitarios femeninos en la cultura Wayuu” Carolina Jaimes et al