Washein

Washein's aim is to introduce people around the world with the most beautiful crafts from the native Wayúu tribe of Colombia. Its product are straw hats and bags and are carefully handwoven by Wayúu artisans in Colombia.

Washein was founded by Claudia Iguarán. Before Claudia launched Washein, she took over the direction of the Nazareth Hospital in 2012. It is from them that she saw the need for Indigenous patients with Tuberculosis after having completed phase one of the treatment, to feel productive to support their families. This is why in 2017, Claudia decided to start Washein. She started Washein with the aim of supporting them in the commercialization of their handicraft products, she established a costing study with them so they were able to obtain a fair profit.

The artisanal pieces are 100% handmade by Wayuu artisans that Claudia has personally known since her childhood. Every single hat and bag is especial, made and painted by hand. The artisans are involved in all the process, from dying the straw filaments, to carefully weaving the products and finally trimming and cleaning them. The pompons that decorate them are weaved by a group of Wayúu women from a different community, that live in Riohacha.