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Aguadas, Colombia

Dora Elsy Cardona & Alicia Florez

Milliner

The legacy of the Aguadeño hat

  • Alicia and Dora Elsy are mother and daughter
  • They have always worked together and still love what they do
  • They are role models within their community

Dora Elsy Cardona has grown up with the weaving tradition in her blood. She learned it from her mother, Alicia Florez, when she was young. They have been working together most of their lives, making hats as their main source of income, but also, as their greatest passion. Their mastery is truly impressive. From recognising quality raw materials, to weaving the fibres more or less tightly to reach a superfine, fine, or more common hat, they master every step. "Unfortunately, this craft is underpaid, despite everything that goes into it," says Dora Elsy. There are many hours of labour and great physical effort involved in the making of one hat. To this day, Dora Elsy and Alicia feel happy to continue practising this live tradition.


Interview

Andres_Martinez©Michelangelo_Foundation
Andres_Martinez©Michelangelo_Foundation
Did you learn from a master?
Dora: I learned the craft trade from my mother, Alicia, who in turn, had been educated by her mother. My mum taught me the art with a lot of patience. She sat me and my sibling by her side and explained every step.
When did you open your own workshop?
Dora: First, I only learned how to make hats, but after some years I started being interested in creating other things, especially the calla lily flower. Creating more products gave me the chance to open my workshop, in 2008. Today, we work on commission.
What do you love most about your profession?
For us, being craftswomen has been a big satisfaction, since it has allowed us to provide for our families. With the first hat I sold, I was able to buy my first pair of shoes. I have also been able to pay for the education of my two children. Hat making also allows me to relax and be entertained!
Is there something about your work that people do not usually know?
It is common for tourists and visitors to come to our workshop asking to see the machine with which we sew our hats. What they do not realise is that our hats are entirely handmade. We only use a machine for the finishing touches.
Dora Elsy Cardona & Alicia Florez are master artisans: they began their career in 1980 and they started teaching in 2014

Where


Dora Elsy Cardona & Alicia Florez

Address: Calle 6 No. 8-29, 172020, Aguadas, Colombia
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-12:00 / 14:00-17:00
Phone: +57 3117291155
Languages: Spanish
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