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Decoding the Traditional Masks of Sibundoy
There is deep symbolism in the traditional masks of Sibundoy. From shaman masks to indigenous pride masks every piece has its own story to tell.
Mopa Mopa: A Beginner’s Guide to a Dying Art
The ancient art of mopa mopa, or barniz de Pasto, is like no other on earth. A few masters keep the 1000 year old tradition alive using the resin of the mopa mopa tree.
Tamo de Pasto: Southern Colombia’s Traditional Chaff Varnish Technique
Tamo de Pasto is the art of decorating woodwork with fine threads of straw or chaff. This traditional art form is found in the Nariño region, around the southern city of Pasto. Tamo is a decorative art form that involves laying intricate patterns onto traditional woodwork such as boxes, furniture, or sculptures with dyed straw.
Video: Silversmiths of Mompox
Along the historic Magdalena River sits the old colonial city of Mompox. Here, silversmiths create intricate silver filigree jewelry by hand, using silversmithing techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Mompox Filigree Jewelry: How It’s Made
Colombian filigree jewelry has a long tradition. Filigree is a technique used to make jewelry from fine silver or gold threads, and results in intricate and eye-catching patterns. Silver jewelry is made by forming silver ingots, then pulling wire that is later shaped into earrings, necklaces and rings.
Expoartesanias: The Great Colombian Craft Fair
We journeyed to Bogota, Colombia to attend the annual Expo Artesanias, a massive traditional craft fair that showcases artisans from all over Colombia. Here's how it went.
Vanishing Worlds: Gilberto Granja’s Barniz de Pasto
Barniz de Pasto is a Colombian art form that's been around since Incan times. We interviewed master Barnizador Gilberto Granja to learn about the history and process of this craft.
Entering the Mountain City of Pasto
We journeyed to Pasto, Colombia in search of traditional artisans and masters of Colombian handicrafts. Read about the experience and the traditions we found here.
The Grand Adventure
And so it begins - our first trip to Colombia to scout out traditional handicrafts and find artisans to partner with. We started in Medellin with the plan to go across the country in our search.