Washein was launched in 2017 by Colombian wayuu native Claudia as an artisan-made brand that blends the most beautiful crafts from the native Wayúu tribe of Colombia with current design aesthetic. The collections include straw hats and bags along with a growing home accessories range of tableware. 

Before Claudia launched Washein, she took over the direction of the Nazareth Hospital in 2012. It is from there where 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.

100% Handcrafted by Indigenous artisans

The artisanal pieces are 100% handmade by Wayuu artisans that Claudia has personally known since her childhood. Every single piece 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 artisans occasionally embark on a journey to the national park La Serrania de la Macuira where they source the raw material from. The park is not only protected by the national government but also loved by their artisans who have occupied that territory for centuries. They have been sourcing palm straw from there for centuries to make their traditional hats before they became commercially attractive. After the Mawisa palm is locally cultivated, harvested, sun-baked and carefully painted, it is then woven by our brand's artisans from the Wayuu indigenous community.

Picture above: Claudia - the founder of Washein - together with the daughter of one of their artisans

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