Autochthonous materials

Throughout history, Colombian artisans have been quite ingenious at using autochthonous materials to create decorative pieces that go from furniture made from guadua (a strong, thick variety of bamboo) to coconut shell accessories.

Depending on the region, these artisan geniuses take advantage of the raw materials within their reach, and design, create, and sell products characterized by having been made by hand to create unique items.

On their part, the islanders of San Andrés and Providencia save every part of the coconut palm tree to make bowls, spoons, bracelets, belts, lamps, etc.

The variety is extensive. In the Café Triangle, guadua is used for products as diverse as houses, hanging bridges, furniture, and decorative accessories.

In the department of Boyacá, specifically in the municipality of Chiquinquirá, tagua, also known as “vegetable ivory”, is the tree used by experts to make veritable jewels.

Another lovely material used by Colombian artisans is the Pasto varnish. Sheets made from the resin of the mopa-mopa tree are dyed with vegetable dyes and used to cover the surface of wooden objects like platters, plates, vases, boxes, spoons, ash trays, among others.

There is no doubt that Colombia is an example of cultural diversity and that the value of its artisan heritage is incalculable.