The indigenous weavers who aim for empowerment over exploitation
5 hours ago Share Save Catherine Ellis Business reporter, Riohacha, Colombia Share Save
BBC In the Colombian city of Riohacha there are numerous street sellers of traditional bags called mochilas
For every handwoven bag she sells on the palm-lined promenade of Riohacha, a city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Sandra Aguilar feels that she's sharing a piece of her heritage. Once used exclusively by the Wayuu, the largest indigenous group in the South American country, the bags - known as mochilas - are now a staple across Colombia, and popular with foreign tourists. But these days the bags are also increasingly sold in global boutiques, featured at fashion events around the world, and listed on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Instagram - reaching buyers who may never have set foot in Colombia. "Thanks to online posts, international visitors are becoming very knowledgeable about the mochila," Ms Aguilar says.
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