Question 1

What are Wayuu Bags?

Accepted Answer

The Traditional Wayuu Bag (Susu), is a medium sized bag used by the Wayuu women con a daily basis to carry personal use items  Wayúu saying goes, “To be a woman is to know how to weave.” The tradition of weaving is highly respected within their matriarchal culture. Wayuu bags are a cultural heritage for the Wayuu people. These bags represent the highest example   of their weaving traditions. They are easily recognizable because of the colors and designs. Bags are woven in crochet, or with a weaving hook. Manufacturing process can take up to 30 days.

Question 2

What makes Sierra & Savanna Wayuu bags different?

Accepted Answer

Sierra & Savanna Wayuu bags are 100% authentic made in Colombia. Our sources work closely with Master Artisans who oversee that our Wayuu bags are always of the best quality.    Wayuu bags are in high demand, Be aware of imitations out there.    Sierra & Savanna is a firm believer of fair trade and ensuring that artisans are treated with dignity and respect and are paid fairly for their work.  With every purchase we are strengthening families and uniting indigenous communities, making a difference, and creating a positive, long-lasting impact.    Indigenous women are in the top percentile of the population most likely to live in extreme poverty. To ensure access to decent living standards, our sources pays the artisans approx. 25% above the average market price for Wayuu bags.

Question 3

What are the designs/symbols in the Wayuu Bags?

Accepted Answer

Today, Wayuu bags have become very popular and the designs include flowers, animals, and other nature items. But traditional Wayuu bags are crocheted with kanaas, which are symbolical drawings native to the Wayuu culture.  Kanaas represent animals, symbols and objects that are part of the day-to day life of the Wayuu people

Question 4

How do Wayuu Women learn to weave?

Accepted Answer

For the Wayuu matriarchal tribe, the tradition of crochet and weaving symbolizes womanhood, and representation of their status and intelligence.  The Tradition is passed from generation to generation. They start learning during childhood but once they get their first menstruation, they start a confinement that can last anything from months to years. During this sacred period called “encierro” women are taught to crochet  While in confinement, they also learn to care for the home, for her family and crochet. The longer the confinement, the finer weaving skills become, and this can give them a highly valued woman in their community.

Question 5

Who are the Wayuu People?

Accepted Answer

Located deep in the Northern lands of La Guajira desert, close to the Colombian and Venezuelan border, The Wayuu Tribe is a traditional, historical, indigenous community who are known as the people of the sun, sand and wind.  Wayuu men dedicate their time to take care of the sheep and goat, the crops and the making of traditional musical instruments. Women on the other hand, occupy themselves to make hammocks (chinchorros) ,handwoven colorful clothing and the very popular shoulder bags  The Wayuu are the largest indigenous group of Colombia. they are an self-governing and matriarchal tribe.  The Wayuu tribe are comprised of +30 clans who live in small, isolated communities called rancherías, The Wayuu have been able to maintain their culture and language despite many efforts to colonize.

Question 6

Where are Wayuu Bags made?

Accepted Answer

All authentic Wayuu bags are made by the women form the Wayuu Tribe from the Guajira Peninsula of Northern Colombia and Venezula.  Sierra & Savanna Bags are all made in Colombia

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