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The Wounaan Werregue Weavers

Location

The Wounaan are an Indigenous group primarily located in the department of Chocó in western Colombia, especially along the lower reaches of the San Juan River, with smaller populations in Valle del Cauca and even a few in Bogotá. In recent decades, the Wounaan have faced serious challenges: displacement due to armed conflicts in Colombia has forced many to abandon their ancestral territories.

History

The Wounaan have woven baskets and made objects from natural materials for many generations. Their craft tradition is deeply rooted in their environment: materials drawn from the rainforest (fibres from palms, woods, etc.) and motifs inspired by their landscape, rivers and forest life. Originally the woven items were utilitarian—baskets for gathering, storing food, vases for medicinal plants, plates and boxes—made for daily life within the community.

Materials

The artisans of the Wounaan community craft their iconic pieces using fibres from a palm known as werregue, which are harvested and carefully processed—boiled or cured—to strengthen the material and prepare it for weaving. These fibres are dyed with natural plant-based colourants—such as achiote seeds for yellow or local lianas for deep black—and then woven into tight, fine-threaded baskets, vessels and decorative items that reveal the woodsy hues of their rainforest home. Occasionally, subtle metallic elements like copper or silver wires are woven in for accent or structural detail, but the true artistry remains rooted in the vibrant palm fibre, its textures and tones celebrating both tradition and nature.

The Process

The process begins with collecting the young leaves of the werregue palm, whose fibres are carefully separated into long, thin strands. These strands are then boiled and cured to give them strength and protect them from fungus or decay. Once prepared, the fibres are dried and dyed using natural pigments, creating a palette inspired by their environment. Using a coiling technique with incredibly fine stitching, they slowly shape baskets, vases, and other forms. The entire making process can take weeks or even months, depending on complexity — a level of dedication that results in tightly woven, durable pieces that embody both cultural heritage and artistic mastery.

Werregue Craft Today

Today, werregue pieces made by Wounaan artisans are admired as both functional objects and fine art. They appear in high-end décor markets around the world, valued for their intricate weaving, natural beauty, and cultural storytelling. While designs have evolved to meet contemporary tastes, these pieces remain powerful symbols of Wounaan identity and a vital way for the community to sustain its heritage.