Colombia is a country full of cultural richness and handicraft traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Colombian handicrafts are a sample of the skill and talent of its artisans, who work with natural materials to create unique pieces full of history.
In Colombia there is a great variety of handicrafts, which are handmade from textiles to the traditional and colorful vueltiaos hats of the Caribbean region, the basketry of the Amazon region and wool weavings of the Andean region. Each region of Colombia has a skill and quality that has developed over time.
Did you know that one of the most famous handicrafts in Colombia are the Wayuu backpacks?
These hand-woven bags made by the indigenous Wayuu people of La Guajira, in the Caribbean region, are a symbol of the culture and identity of this community; in addition, the weaving technique used by the Wayuu women to create these backpacks has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Another of our beautiful handicrafts that cannot be overlooked are the clay figures from Ráquira, a town in the department of Boyacá; the artisans here have perfected their technique in ceramics and produce high quality utilitarian and decorative pieces.
Filigree is another craft technique that has been practiced in Colombia for centuries. This technique consists of making gold or silver jewelry by braiding metal threads to create intricate designs. The city of Mompox, in the department of Bolivar, is famous for its filigree tradition and for being the birthplace of one of the great masters of this technique, goldsmith and artist Julio Mario Santo Domingo.
These are just some of the most outstanding Colombian handicrafts, but there are many more to discover. Colombian handicrafts are a cultural treasure that should be valued and appreciated, as they represent the creativity, skill and identity of the people and communities that produce them. If you have the opportunity to visit Colombia, be sure to explore the local handicrafts and take home a unique and authentic piece.