#oltem OLTEM is characterized by exalting traditional indigenous Colombian art, through the creation of traditional designs, which are made in collaboration with indigenous artisans, like Luisa Fernanda David.

This is the third blog entry, if you haven't read the previous, you still have time, what are you waiting for to meet us? here are Who are We? Ÿ¤” , The Earth, our greatest inspiration.

Luisa David is a Colombian indigenous woman belonging to the Embera Eyábida community in the Department of Antioquia. Currently she and her group of women and men weavers have been working in collaboration with OLTEM for 4 years.

She has a great passion for innovation, working in communities and being able to preserve the fabric that she has been taught in the traditional way. In the photo she has Okamas Vida.¤️

Generally the art of weaving is transmitted to each member of the community at the age of 7, in this way they can transmit the legacy to new generations, since traditional weaving is an element that identifies all indigenous groups in general, especially in Latin America.

Luisa, tells us that initially she and her work group made the same traditional pieces and over time they were able to see that they were not generating true economic support for their families, since currently Okamas and other traditional fabrics are not very attractive. For the general population due to the symbolic load that they represent.Ϭ

Okamas are handcrafted pieces that represent tradition, previously these were made with unconventional materials, such as metals, stones, seashells, and elements of nature that were used for their production. The Okamas represent an important role in each of the communities, they help to distinguish the level of hierarchy that each person has and in turn to differentiate between communities.

 

Upon identifying that their market was not very attractive to the common population, they decided to agree to collaborate with OLTEM and in this way be able to explore all the creativity through the contemporary designs proposed by the brand, by incorporating innovative elements to the traditional fabric and thus reach more people, obtain a better income for your family and generate job stability.

 

When you buy handmade jewelry, you're not just purchasing an accessory; you're investing in a piece of artistry and craftsmanship. Ÿ’«

Each piece of handmade jewelry is crafted with care and attention to detail, making it one-of-a-kind. Unlike mass-produced items, handmade jewelry often carries the maker's personal touch, ensuring that you have something unique to cherish.

For OLTEM and the entire group of weavers led by Luisa David, it is important to highlight that the traditional fabric used to make each accessory remains the same, it preserves a tradition, as does its process, as well as the people. who make the fabrics, still belong to the Embera Eyábida community, only the designs and elements used in them change.

Most of the collections made in collaboration are inspired by fauna and flora, elements of nature that contain important meaning both in indigenous community.

 

Handmade jewelry often carries a story behind its creation, whether it's inspired by nature, culture, or personal experiences. Owning a piece of handmade jewelry allows you to connect with the maker's story and carry it with you wherever you go.

Luisa's participation and incorporation for OLTEM has been vital when making decisions regarding the development of designs that go hand in hand with traditional ancestral techniques, which is the effect that the brand intends and wishes to give, to be able to continue with the ancestral fabric without it being lost over time and being able to transmit it to new generations and general public through contemporary designs.

We invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of owning a piece of handmade artistry .

Supporting Oltem is supporting all of us and our dream of seeing this small business grow!

 

COMING SOON! We have many more collections in the works and new items, including handbag 🤫, coming soon! If you enjoyed this blog, subscribe to our email list to be notified when another blog will be published. 💌

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