This post is dedicated to our hammock inspiration and artisanal partners, the Wayúu people.
Mostly known for their colorful crafts, they are one of the only native groups in Colombia to have fended off the Spaniard conquistadors.
The next time you are relaxing in one of our beautiful hammocks, ponder one of these ten cool facts about Colombia’s most infamous indigenous tribe.
They fiercely protected their culture and won!
When Spanish explorers threatened to upend their way of life, the Wayúu people fought back using firearms and horses they got from English and Dutch smugglers to fight for their land, their freedom, and their rights.
Eventually, the conquistadores retreated, and the Wayúu gained the right to say that they are one of the only indigenous tribes to not be conquered by Spain in Colombia.
That resilient spirit is still alive today as the Wayúu tribe continues to maintain their traditional way of life through agriculture and selling their world-class artisanal crafts.
They Still Live The Way They Did Hundreds of Years Ago
Members of the tribes might drive around in SUV’s to transport goods, but don’t be fooled!
The Wayúu are all about preserving their culture, and one of the ways they do that is by choosing to live in the same hut houses their ancestors called home.
Western standards and perspectives influence us to equate these simple dwellings with poverty, but for the Wayúu, it’s a show of strength and conviction of who they are as a people.
They Are A Self-Governing Society
Years after battling Spaniards, the Wayúu people have retained control of their destiny by resisting government interference, opting to create their own laws and ways of governing their communities.
It is said that in the past, their trade visits to neighboring island, Curasco were regarded as state visits.
Today the tribe crosses the border between Colombia and Venezuela without passports, and continues to run their communities their way.
The Wayúu Women Are Held In High Esteem
The Wayúu people have a matrilineal society, which means that trace their roots through their mother’s side of the family.
In fact, when women get married, the groom presents the bride’s family with money and irreplaceable, antique gold necklaces that have passed down for years. The bride goes to her new home with a new blanket, and of course, a hammock that was made by her family.
Wayúu women also play a major role in the preservation of culture and tradition through performing various rituals and many have leadership roles in the community, including Neris Uriana who is the first female leader for the tribe.
The Hammocks Aren’t Just For Decoration
While our beautiful chinchorros are a wonderful addition to your home decor (and the perfect place to pamper yourself with a mid-day siesta!) for the Wayúu tribe the hammocks aren’t just art.
Their chinchorros are their only sleeping space and one of their most prized possessions.
They Share Their Culture Through Entrepreneurship
In addition to making some of the beautiful hammocks we feature on our site, the Wayúu have also honed their entrepreneurial spirit to build business ventures around other crafts, fish, gold, and some contact with tourists including The Festival of Wayúu Culture which takes place every May in Uribia, a municipality that is considered “the indigenous capital of Colombia.
They Have Special Rituals For Mourning Their Loved Ones
When someone in the Wayúu community passes on, the women stop creating crafts for at least a month to honor the dead.
They travel to be with family and friends in neighboring regions where they hook their best hammock up in an enramada, a dwelling for visitors and meetings. It’s said that the hammocks displayed during this time are considered the best examples of the family’s talent and traditions.
They Keep Their Communities Together
Despite living in a world that places an emphasis on the individual, the members of the Wayúu tribe maintain a close connection to their community by supporting each other through life’s trials and the challenges of learning new ways to build a sustainable future together through preserving their rituals.
Their Hammocks Are With Them From The Beginning To The End
The beautiful chinchorros seem to play a part in every stage of life, when Wayúu women give birth, they welcome the newest member of the tribe to the world in their hammock.
Also when a member of the tribe dies, the person is buried in the clan’s cemetery with a hammock.
You Can Visit The Wayúu!
You might not be able to visit tribe’s land, but if you want to visit with and learn more about the spirited Wayúu tribe, you can travel to Northern Colombia to the town of Riohacha, where they sell more of their crafts at a market.
And of course, we’re happy to support your quest to own one of their beautiful hammocks. Check out the styles that we carry.