6 HANDICRAFTS FROM THE CARIBBEAN REGION OF COLOMBIA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The most outstanding handicrafts of the Caribbean region of Colombia are the vueltiao hat, the Arhuaca backpack, the hammocks of San Jacinto, the three-pointed sandals, the garments of the Wayú ethnic group that inhabit that region and the filigree jewelry of Mompox.

These handicrafts from the Colombian Caribbean are carefully made by hand and are colored and adorned with natural dyes, extracted from native plants of the region.

The production of these authentic pieces is part of the customs and traditions of the inhabitants of this region, which have been transmitted from generation to generation, and make up its rich cultural and artisan heritage.

Main handicrafts of the Caribbean Region

The Vueltiao Hat

This typical hat of the savannas of the departments of Córdoba and Sucre, is considered the most emblematic artisan piece in the country. It was declared as a symbol of Colombia by the National Congress.

Its origin dates back several centuries to the indigenous Zenú culture, which still inhabits this territory bordered by the Sinú River.

The municipality of Tuchín is considered to be the cradle of the famous vueltiao hat, which is made with leaves of the arrow cane, a palm native to this region. Its price varies according to the quality and quantity of cane strips used in each piece.

Currently, of the 10,000 indigenous Zenú people who are dedicated to handicrafts, about 6,200 are women. Only they work on the hand-braiding of this hat, because men only herd goats.

The Arhuaca Backpack

These exclusive backpacks were originally made with natural fibers such as fique and cotton, which is reserved for the backpacks of the mamos and is not marketed.

In general, ocher colors and a whole range of browns are used in its manufacture, also beige, gray and black. They are sold in the markets and craft shops of Valledupar.

There are also other backpacks such as kogui and kochuamo, very popular in this region, made by natives of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which are sold in cities such as Santa Marta, Palomino, Valledupar and Minca.

The Hammocks of San Jacinto

These pieces that are hung and used to rest, are woven with interlaced and multi-colored threads to give them greater showiness.

The hammock is a handcrafted product widely used in Colombia, particularly in this region with a hot and humid climate.

The municipality of San Jacinto is the most important artisan center in the region, dedicated to this ancestral art. Backpacks, rugs and bags are also made.

Las Abarcas tres puntatas

The encompass or albarca is a rustic sandal-type footwear, which is made with raw leather and covers only the soles of the feet.

It is secured with straps over the instep and ankle. It is basically a folk shoe. Currently it is made with rubber and is frequently used in the Colombian countryside.

Wayú Crafts

The Wayú ethnic group produces a diversity of handicraft products, among which the fabrics of blankets, backpacks, guaireñas or sandals and rugs stand out.

Likewise, pottery products such as vases, jewelery and gold jewelery and seeds, in which only women participate.

Filigree Momposina

The filigree is a jewel made by hand with very fine gold threads, which is obtained by stretching, twisting and flattening the metal dozens of times, for which a lot of skill and patience is required.

This type of art originating in the town of Santa Cruz de Mompós or Mompox, located on the banks of the Magdalena River, has spread to other Colombian departments such as Antioquia.

Although the designs of the filigree pieces are diverse, natural elements such as flowers, bouquets of leaves, tears and butterflies are generally represented.

References

1. Arts and customs of the Caribbean Region. Retrieved on October 18, 2017 from caribesucultura.blogspot.com
2. Escobar, Arturo, Territories of Difference: Place, Movements, Life, Redes. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2008.
3. The Caribbean Region. caribesiescolombia.blogspot.com
4. The Caribbean Region. Consulted of colombiapatrimoniocultural.wordpress.com
5. Crafts in San Jacinto. (sf) Consulted from colombia.travel
6. Top 10 Traditional Crafts to bring back from Colombia. Consulted from seecolombia.travel