Artesenia

Our recently formed women's group called 'Kallarik Warmikuna' meaning 'Women who move forward or work or begin' invited a lady from a nearby to come and teach us how to prepare paja toquilla (a local plant whose parts are utilized for example making artesenia and roofs.)


In this photo the paja is hanging to dry after having been boiled, and we are separating the strands so that it dries well.

We constructed a box and put hot coals, threw in some sulfur (you can sense the odor it put off from Irma's face!) in the bottom and then layed the paja on top for the second phase of drying. We then cover the paja with banana leaves and then a blanket to accelerate the process. Ever so often we flip the bundle of paja so that it is dried just right.

Here's the products of the first weekend of the workshop. We are currently learning to weave hats (or sombreros) which are more intricately woven. In the upcoming weeks, we are going to create jewelry and purses.

The women are pretty excited about a time to hang out and be creative and be without kids or husbands. I'm excited to be learning along side them too:)

We are hoping to produce functional and quality artesenia to sell in local markets and abroad if possible. If you know of someone or are interested in supporting Kallarik Warmikuna, let me know!