Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Displays Wayuu Bags

During her four-days visit to Colombia, H.M. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was seen on several occasions sporting various handcrafted Wayuu bags, paying homage to one of the most vibrant and significant indigenous cultures in Colombia.

Wayuu mochilas have become popular in recent years, thanks to their designs that combine practicality with colorful, beautiful motifs. Their ancestral crafting skills allow the Wayuu to contribute to Colombian culture on an international scale, while reasserting Colombia’s indelible indigenous characteristics.

The Wayuu craftsmanship culture

Originating from the Guajira Peninsula, the northernmost point of Colombia, the Wayuu community is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly its skill in textiles and weaving. Unlike many of Colombia’s indigenous tribes, the Wayuu successfully resisted the Spanish conquest of the country. As a result, they have managed to preserve their traditions and handicrafts.

Textiles are one of the main forms of expression in Wayuu culture, with woven fabrics often bearing symbolic meanings that can represent everything from emotions to social status.

The bags are the most famous and popular textile craft in Wayuu culture, displaying very complex motifs. They are entirely handmade and require a lot of work; usually, it takes several weeks to complete one bag. The most common design is the Susu, worn by Queen Maxima, which is used in everyday life to carry personal items or working tools.

Wayuu art and high-end fashion

Over the past decade, Wayuu art has made its mark on the global fashion landscape, achieving international recognition through the 2009 launch of the Mochila project, directed by then Vogue director Lauren Santo Domingo. Famous creators including Carolina Herrera and Peter Pilotto created original Wayuu bags, incorporating elements from Wayuu traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion techniques.

Because of its cultural significance, the Wayuu mochila has been consecrated as a denomination of origin. This status affirms the bag as an original creation, with intellectual property rights belonging to the Wayuu people, protecting their cultural heritage.