About Tawara
TAWARA is an indigenous word from the Wayuu tribe located in the north of Colombia that means siblings.
We are living apart around the world. Two of us live in Australia in Hobart and Adelaide. The idea of selling Mochilas and other handcrafts made by indigenous and small artisans in Colombia is to share part of our culture and history with the world starting here in Australia.
We are living apart around the world. Two of us live in Australia in Hobart and Adelaide. The idea of selling Mochilas and other handcrafts made by indigenous and small artisans in Colombia is to share part of our culture and history with the world starting here in Australia.
For TAWARA MOCHILAS it is important to support these different groups of indigenous and small artisans, who keep the traditions, by purchasing mochilas and handicrafts directly from them or organizations that contribute to maintaining the Colombian heritage and help the community development.
Our mission is to share our heritage through the mochilas and the handcrafts imported from Colombia.
Our vision is to contribute back to the communities. When we make sufficient profit, we will donate 5% of our monthly profit to indigenous or artisans’ communities in Colombia to help to maintain our heritage and culture alive.
Arhuaca Mochilas
Weaving Stories, Cultivating Culture.
Arhuaca mochilas (bags) are traditional handwoven bags originating from indigenous communities in Colombia. These particular bags are associated with the Arhuaco people, an indigenous group residing in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain range in northern Colombia. The Sierra Nevada is a region of great ecological and cultural significance for these communities.
The Arhuaca mochilas are intricately woven by the women of the Arhuaco tribe and hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Here is a glimpse of the story behind Arhuaca mochilas:
Symbolism & Spirituality: Beyond being bags, Arhuaca mochilas carry stories in every stitch. The patterns and colours reflect the rich tapestry of Arhuaco cosmology and traditions; they also have a meaning behind each pattern (check our social media to learn more about it).
Cultural Identity: These mochilas are a living heritage passed down through generations. They are not just accessories; they are a celebration of the Arhuaco people’s identity and resilience.
Sustainable Craftsmanship: Crafted with care, Arhuaca mochilas use local materials and eco-friendly dyes. They are a testament to sustainable living and preserving Mother Earth.
Global Appreciation: Arhuaca mochilas are more than fashion; they are cultural treasures appreciated worldwide for their unique beauty and stories.
Time to knit your Arhuaca mochila: Arhuaca Mochila takes to knit minimum of 4 weeks to up to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity and the size of the Mochila.
Wayuu Mochilas
Wayuu mochilas (bags) are traditional handwoven bags originating from the Wayuu indigenous women of the La Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia and Venezuela. The Wayuu people have a rich cultural heritage, and their craftwork, particularly the mochilas, is an integral part of their identity.
Technique and material: The Wayuu Mochilas (bags) are made using the crochet technique. The weaver’s skills and cultural heritage are showcased in these bags. The materials used to make the mochilas are dyed threads from natural materials such as wild cotton, roving maguey (a plant), and other natural fibres typical of the region or synthetic fibres dyed by the women of the tribe.
Cultural Significance: The mochilas (bags) are made by the women of the tribe and represent not only a cultural practice and a heritage from their ancestors, but also a form of life expression.
Beyond fashion, Wayuu mochilas hold deep cultural meaning for the Wayuu community. They’re used in daily life, rituals, and as special gifts.
Global Appreciation: These unique creations are not just accessories. They are cultural symbols loved worldwide for their beauty and individuality.
Time that takes Knit your Wayuu Mochila: To Knit a Wayuu mochila can range from around 1 week up to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of the design and the size.
Accessories
The key rings are handmade by women of the Wayuu tribe, and their unique design represents the symbolism and view of the world by the Wayuu people.
The handmade bracelets are made by a women artisan and fashion designer who lives in the north of Colombia. Every bracelet is woven by her with love and care, representing her vision of Colombian traditions and culture.