LA
CALEÑITA
"HAPPINESS MADE INTO HANDICRAFTS "
La Caleñita: A beacon of Artissanal Matery in Cali, Colombia
In the heart of Cali, 37 years ago, La Caleñita emerged from the vision of a woman of courage and foresight to become a treasure of unparalleled artisanal works in Colombia and a pilgrimage site for people seeking the authentic pulse of Colombia’s artisanal spirit
At La Caleñita, each creation made from the hands of colombian artisans is a testament to tradition, innovation and cultural heritage that enriches your spaces, your home and your day to day life.
#TheHand craftedAt Home
We work with more than 150 artisans of different indigenous communities
- We have built strong long term partnerships with indigenous communities.
- We respect and preserve the cultural significance of the artisan products.
- We carefully source the artisans that work with the finest materials and employ meticulous techniques to ensure the exceptional quality of our products.
We are building bridges between worlds, transforming traditional crafts into innovative products that will transform your home and spaces and, your outfits.
HOME AND SPACES DÉCOR: Style your home, your restaurant, your hotel, your villa, your country house and any space with authenticy and cultural tradition.
FASHION: Infuse your daily life with the rich tradition, craftsmanship, and unique flair that only handcrafted items can provide
Jewelery
Handbags
Journey to the Heart of Eperaara: A Tale of Tradition and Authority
With a population of merely 3,500 souls, the Eperaara Siapidara people—a mere 0.3% of the Colombian indigenous population—stand as a testament to resilience and enduring culture.
Nestled along the banks of the Saija, in the heart of the Naya river municipality of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, and extending their presence to El Charco and Olaya Herrera in the Nariño Department, they live in harmony with the land that cradles their existence.
Their ancestral culture is expressed in two spatial worlds defined by the culture: the ethereal world – the world of Jai, of spirits or shadows – and the physical world – the ecosystem where society unfolds.
In this community, the woman is the highest authority and is called “Tachi Nawê” – Our Mother. A small group of women – three to five – carry the legacy of their people, embodying both the hereditary and charismatic essence of leadership that has shepherded the Emberá through generations.
This is not merely a tale of geographical locations or demographic statistics; it is a living narrative of power, spirituality, and the revered role of women as custodians of culture and tradition.
Basket weaving is one of the oldest arts of humanity, practiced using strips or fibers of plant origin, as well as those from animal sources or human hair.
Historically, their use has been utilitarian— for transporting and preserving food and materials. However, this visionary community has decided to share their art with the world, and today, it not only forms part of their daily use but is also sold to economically support their community and preserve their ancestral culture.
In this matriarchal community, the women are in charge of weaving the baskets, in which they tell stories or represent mystical animals like the monkey and the toad, to which they give life and color with vegetable dyes extracted from wild fruits, chalk, and mud.
These weavings become pieces of art after at least a month of work in which the raw material is obtained from the tree, the fibers are dyed naturally by burying them in the earth, and they are woven in the most sublime way possible.
4 TETAS
BASKET
WOVEN
PLATES
PLACEMATS
Threads of Tradition: The Wounaan and Their Werregue Masterpieces
The Wounaan indigenous community is one of the prominent indigenous groups located primarily in the Chocó region of Colombia, as well as in parts of Panama. They are closely related to the Embera people, and together they represent a significant portion of the indigenous population in these areas. The Wounaan are known for their deep connection to the rainforest environment, and their culture, traditions, and livelihood are intricately tied to the natural world around them.
The Wounaan are particularly renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, especially in the creation of Werregue baskets and carvings. These art forms are not only a means of economic support but also a way to express their cultural identity and preserve their ancestral stories and symbols.
Artisans begin by harvesting the Werregue palm, carefully extracting its fibers. These fibers are then naturally dyed using vibrant colors derived from local plants, seeds, and bark. The intricate weaving process is done entirely by hand, where artisans create elaborate geometric patterns and designs, often imbued with cultural and symbolic meanings that reflect the rich traditions of the Wounaan people.
Each Werregue piece, including baskets and decorative items, can take several weeks to months to complete, showcasing not only the artisan’s skill and patience but also a deep cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. These works of art make unique and meaningful additions to any collection, embodying the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Colombian indigenous culture.
WERREGUE
BASKETS
Each Werregue piece, including baskets and decorative items, can take several weeks to months to complete, showcasing not only the artisan’s skill and patience but also a deep cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. These works of art make unique and meaningful additions to any collection, embodying the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Colombian indigenous culture.
Embroidered Heritage: The Art and Culture of Mola Weaving in Chocó
The mola is a traditional textile art form crafted by the Guna (often spelled Kuna) indigenous people. While the Guna are the primary artisans behind molas, the influence and techniques have also been embraced by some artisan communities in Chocó, Colombia, showcasing a cultural exchange that enriches the artistic landscape of the region.
Molas are celebrated for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, created using a reverse appliqué technique. This involves layering several pieces of fabric, cutting patterns into the top layers, and finely stitching the edges to reveal the colors beneath, resulting in complex, multi-layered designs. These designs often depict natural scenes, animals, and abstract geometric patterns, each carrying cultural and symbolic significance.
The creation of molas is not just an artistic endeavor but also a deeply rooted cultural expression. For the communities involved, molas represent a connection to heritage and identity, serving as a testament to their traditions and craftsmanship. They are used as decorative panels in clothing, particularly blouses for women, and are also displayed as standalone art pieces, making them both functional and decorative. The art of making molas is typically passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of this beautiful and meaningful tradition.
MOLA WOOD
FRAME
Guardians of the Amazon: The Sikuani Indigenous Community and Their Living Culture
The Sikuani indigenous community is primarily located in the Vaupés department of Colombia and is part of the larger Amazonian cultural landscape. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional practices, and strong connection to the rainforest environment. The Sikuani people traditionally engage in subsistence farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering, relying on the diverse resources of the Amazon for their livelihood.
Socially, the Sikuani community is organized in a way that emphasizes communal living and kinship ties. Their societal structure often revolves around extended families, and decisions are typically made through consensus within the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration and unity.
Sikuani wood carvings are characterized by their dynamic forms and detailed embellishments, often depicting animals, ancestral figures, and symbolic representations related to nature and spirituality. Each piece serves as a narrative, telling stories from Sikuani mythology or reflecting the community’s daily life and values.
Wood carvings created by the Sikuani are not merely decorative; they hold profound cultural significance. They are often used in ceremonies, rituals, and as offerings, playing a vital role in the community’s spiritual practices.
SIKUANI
CANOE
SIKUANI
CANDLE
Galapa: Guardians of Tradition and Artistry
The Galapa community, located in the Atlántico province of Colombia near Barranquilla, is widely recognized for its vibrant cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Known primarily for their wood carving expertise, the artisans of Galapa create iconic masks and sculptures that are central to traditional celebrations and folklore in the region. These artworks often reflect a blend of African, Indigenous, and European influences, showcasing the rich diversity of Colombia’s cultural tapestry.
Galapa’s craftsmen are famous for producing masks, characterized by their vivid colors and expressive features, play a significant role in the dance and music traditions that are integral to community celebrations.
Beyond its artistic contributions, the Galapa community has maintained many traditional practices and communal ways of life. Despite facing challenges from urbanization and modernization, the people of Galapa have managed to preserve their rich cultural traditions, passing them down through generations. This dedication to cultural preservation makes Galapa an essential part of Colombia’s diverse cultural landscape.
GALAPA
BOWLS
GALAPA
COFFER
JAGUAR
CANDLE
PALMA DE IRACA: Symbol of Empowerment
In the town of Sandoná, Nariño, the women are masters of a centuries-old tradition, transforming the fibers of the palma de iraca into stunning handcrafted works of art. This skillful artistry has become synonymous with the region, showcasing a remarkable blend of cultural heritage and creative expression.
Using techniques passed down through generations, these skilled artisans meticulously weave the supple fibers of the palma de iraca into intricate patterns and beautiful designs. The process begins with the careful selection and preparation of the iraca fibers, which are cleaned, dyed in vibrant natural colors, and then set to dry to achieve the perfect texture for weaving. The women of Sandoná create an array of exquisite products, from elegant hats and bags to intricate home decor items such as placemats and baskets.
Through their dedication and craftsmanship, the women of Sandoná have turned the art of weaving palma de iraca into a powerful symbol of empowerment and cultural pride. Their work is celebrated for its aesthetic beauty and its role in maintaining the rich artistic heritage of Nariño.
In essence, the craftsmanship of the women of Sandoná is a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of this vibrant community, turning nature’s gifts into timeless treasures.
IRACA COFFER
WOVEN BOWL
WOVEN
PLACEMAT
MADE TO MEASURE
Together, we can co-create custom products with the
Artisanal communities we work with by leveraging their unique skills and cultural heritage resulting in:
- High quality products with the finest materials
- Exclusive products
- Aesthetically captivating products
- Cultural significance
- Handicrafts elevated to art
- Foster the indigeneous communitues well being
“Owning a handmade piece is to have a part of the universe, the very essence of life and tradition”.
We are dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of artisan crafts and deeply committed to honor and preserve the cultural heritage of artisan communities
"HAPPINESS MADE INTO HANDICRAFTS "
CONTACT
MAYRA GOMEZ
CO-CEO
TEL: (57) 3178150688
mayragomez@lacalenita.com
STEPHANY GOMEZ
BUSINESS DEVELOPER
TEL: (57) 3166902280
sgomezg@lacalenita.com
www.colombia.lacalenita.com
@artesaniaslacalenita