As part of our 'Meet Our Indigenous Wayuu Artisans' series, which introduces our indigenous Wayuu artisans to you in a more up-close-and-personal way, it is our pleasure to share Aminta's story with you. Aminta is one of our most experienced artisans and has taught generations of women the craft of creating mochila bags in the Guajira region of Colombia. MEET AMINTA Indigenous Artisan My name is Aminta, and I’m one of the most experienced artisans of my community. I have channeled my years of wisdom and teachings accumulated from the women before me into my hand woven bags. It brings me great joy to share this art with you all. I have channeled my years of wisdom and teachings accumulated from the women before me into my hand woven bags I’m from the community of Cucurumana, which is located in the desert, rural plains of La Guajira. Here it’s beautiful and peaceful, and even though our conditions can be challenging due to the harsh climate, our community is lucky to have access to a clean water supply. I’ve been blessed to be the mother of 8 children, who have shown me love and support in my old age. With over 65 years of experience as an artisan, I am a highly respected member of my community With over 65 years of experience as an artisan, I am a highly respected member of my community who has had the honor of passing down my wisdom to other women. My goal for this year is to remain healthy and able so that I am able to continue creating mochilas and passing down the knowledge I’ve gained from my ancestors to the younger generations to keep our traditions alive long after I’ve left this earth.

Life on the ranchería in La Guajira, Colombia is a truly different experience from what most of us know. Rancherías are located on desert land, where hardly anything grows. It is a way of life, peaceful and slow, almost like farm life. "It's not about changing an artisan's environment, but improving their conditions." Many indigenous people choose to live in rancherías instead of in the city. They prefer the peace and quiet over urban chaos. To be in a community they trust, instead of having to deal with the insecurity of a big city. They appreciate an open sky over city lights. As a result, when given the choice, many Wayuu women who have been given the chance to experience city life choose to go back to their ranchería to raise their children. Their kids can run free without any worry, while the women take care of them as well as provide financially. Wayuu bags are the community’s most important cultural heritage, but also, the main sustenance of the Wayuu. As a result, Wayuu women will rise with the sun to start her day, crochet and care for her community. I hope you enjoy this little taste of a very different world and cherish the art, craftsmanship and vibrant colors that come from this barren land.