Conchita, an artisan who belongs to Wayúu ethnic group, is the founder of the María Concepción Iguarán crafts workshop, which brings together traditional artisans in Uribia, in the upper part of Colombia. In her workshop, Conchita teaches the art and craft of weaving, from how to use the loom and use the crochet needle, to how to create tassels and strips. With their hands, artisans work day after day to preserve the legacy and the tradition of the Wayuú indigenous people. Conchita learnt to weave when she was young from her mother, Tulia Uriana, and with great generosity, she has transmitted this knowledge to her group.
Conchita has worked hard to combine what she learnt in technical courses with the Wayúu ancestral knowledge and traditions. She won the Mastery Craftsmanship Medal in the traditional category, which was awarded by Artesanías de Colombia, the Colombian-state entity for the crafts sector, for her excellence in weaving. Among her creations, the two-sided chinchorro, or Wayúu hammock stands out. The chinchorro was such a success that it was even exhibited at Milan Fashion Week. Conchita's dream is that the Colombian crafts sector will be more formally structured and becomes a means for indigenous artisans to make a living.
Taller María Concepción Iguarán
