Much more than a bag, the spiritual value of a mochila

The symbolism around a mochila is numerous.

The round shape of the mochilas represents the roundness of the mother's belly. The weaving is started in a spiral from the bottom like the cycle of life. The patterns woven on the body of the bag represent the life paths of the weavers, the nature that surrounds them but also their moods, their disagreements, or their thoughts.

For young girls, weaving is part of their coming-of-age ritual and allows them to demonstrate their talent as weavers.

After giving birth, women bury their placenta in a small red mochila that they will have woven during their pregnancy. The belief is that the child is thus in good health, connected to the earth and to his ancestors.

In ancient traditions, these bags were woven by mothers for their family members. They were used to carry heavy loads, which is why the strap of a mochila is wide.

Over time, mochilas gradually lost their meaning and became the livelihood of Wayuu women.

By founding Mazonia, I want to support weavers in rediscovering the meaning of their creation.

The Wayuus have immense know-how: that of weaving. They also weave traditional hammocks called chinchorro, shoes, belts, etc.