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Description
The Wayuu women start learning about knitting when they are little girls watching their mothers knit. They gain more extensive training during puberty, when they are cloistered for long periods of time and their moms and grandmothers (the only people who can see them during this period) teach them sewing, weaving, cooking, and other useful skills. Wayuu women are such skilled knitters that they even knit while they walk around!
In their culture, a myth says that a spider-like deity taught a Wayuu woman how to knit. Wayuu bags represent the Wayuu women's lives. They carry their lives. The bags start “small, like our lives and the straps represent our destiny.” The designs represent plants, animals, starts, and their clans' symbols. Different colors also have different meanings: red is blood and blue is wisdom. Yellow represents happiness; beige is land; pinks and oranges are flowers; green is trees.
These Wayuu bags are approximately 9 to 13 inches in diameter and depth, and the straps measure between 32 and 40 inches. The bag ergonomically lays over your hip, and it is the perfect size to carry your day-to-day essentials. The bags are made of synthetic fibers and they can last for many years.
The selling of handcrafts is fundamental to the survival of the Wayuu people. By buying their bags you're helping their economical development and the passing on of their culture. Also, part of the profits will be donated to susceptible communities. Each $50 purchase will help feed 5 Wayuu children through The Wayuu Taya Foundation.
SHIPPING POLICY: We ship from Los Angeles, California within 3 business days. Please make sure to use the correct address and required information. We don't charge for handling. We don't charge a shipping fee within US when shipped with USPS ground, we ship for free to other parts of the world on purchases more than US $150.
To maintain the quality of your Wuitusu handmade crochet bags, gently hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting, reshape while damp, and dry flat away from direct sunlight. For punch needle bags, spot clean with a damp cloth and air dry. Iraca palm hats should be gently wiped with a damp cloth and reshaped if needed. Avoid exposure to excessive moisture and store in a cool, dry place.
