Accesories — 21 January 2021
From land to loom
Supremacy, mystery, grace, delicacy, opulence. [noun] 1A piece of clothing made to fit the head, often with a crown or brim. 2A shaped covering for the head worn for warmth, as a fashion item, or as a part of a uniform. 3A head covering which is usually worn outdoors to give protection from the weather.
Endless definitions could fit, but for Woma Hatmakers, these special headpieces mean heritage.
Their inspiration, Colombia, a place where tradition is written in its soul. Their mission, to preserve the true art of knitting. Their strength, to create one of a kind luxury products that empower indigenous communities in the Colombian territory.
Woma Hatmakers is a Bogotá based brand that aims to sustain the finest craftsmanship of the country’s traditional artisan practices. Through working with artisans of the Wayuu community- an indigenous ethnic group that has been in the territory for centuries- Woma Hatmakers opens a window for the world to see the well-kept secrets of ancient knitting.
Stimulating an exchange of ideas and knowledge, the brand works hand in hand with Wayuu artisans creating pieces that live and breathe tradition: “Through textile innovation and bespoke design, Woma Hatmakers is helping these artisans breathe new life into their ancient traditions and bring a renewed vitality to their communities”.
The Wayuu knitting tradition is as ancient as the culture itself. They believe it all started with the myth of ‘Wale’kerü’, a spider that taught them the ancient weaving craft. The fable talks of nights full of threads and dawns covered in magnificent knitted pieces, where the spider bestowed them the designs represented in each piece which described the doings of their old sages.
“Touched by sunlight”. Present in the Guajira region, surrounding the Colombia-Venezuela border and safeguarded by the Caribbean seacoast, the Wayuu group occupies an area of 10,800 square kilometers, shielding in every corner the secrets of persevered crafts, history and tradition.
Known for their high knowledge of ancient practices and for being developers of their own culture, they live almost as if they were frozen in time. The Wayuu community is an inherited gift in today’s society. A patrimony that Woma Hatmakers desires to preserve and enhance.
From land to loom, Woma is here to tell a story. Colors, patterns, textures and disruptive shapes, presented as hats and bags that carry the story of the hands that brought them to life.
Each piece being 100% handmade out of natural and native materials like Iraca and Mawisa palm and Toquilla straw, preciously preserves the original beauty and variations that define this technique’s nature. With an average of 10 to 12 hours of processing time, each piece is packed individually and with the care of hands that pack a treasure. At the heart of each product, its entire existence.
The process behind Woma Hatmakers brings to life a full cycle, where these magical headpieces engage with the Wayuu culture, enhancing their high valued foundations where wisdom, intelligence and creativity hold hands, it enlightens creators to ancestors, shaping Colombia’s culture and heritage from the origin.
