Canastos

HAND-WOVEN · NATURAL PLANT FIBERS · EPERÃARÃ SIAPIDAARÃ · CAUCA, COLOMBIA

Canastos — Hand-Woven Artisan Bag

From the rainforests of Cauca, Colombia. Made by 30 hands that have woven this tradition for generations.

This is not a bag that was manufactured. It was harvested from the forest, processed by hand, naturally dyed, and woven over days by artisans in Canaán, Guapi — a community where this craft is not a hobby. It is a lifeline.

The Canasto is made from two wild plants native to the Colombian rainforest — Paja Tetera and Chocolatillo — harvested, dried, and treated entirely by hand before a single strand is woven. The geometric patterns you see are not printed or applied. They are built into the weave itself, row by row, with the precision of a technique passed down through generations of the Eperãarã Siapidaarã people of Cauca.

About the materials

Paja Tetera (Stromanthe jacquinii) grows up to 3m tall from sea level to 1,200m elevation. Chocolatillo (Ischnosiphon arouma) grows up to 4m in secondary forests and riverbanks. Both are harvested sustainably from the wild, never farmed.

CHOOSE YOUR PATTERN

WHY THIS BAG IS WORTH IT

• Generous size- 14" tall × 11" wide — fits everything you need for a market run, beach day, or everyday carry
• Dual purpose- Use it as a handbag or a basket — it works beautifully both ways
• Natural dyes only- No synthetic chemicals — colors come entirely from natural plant sources
• Lightweight & strong- Woven plant fiber is naturally durable, flexible, and surprisingly light for its size
• Open design- No zipper, no lining — traditional basket construction, easy access, true to its origin
• Small batch only- Once a pattern sells out, it may never return — each batch is made in limited quantities

DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Spot clean only — wipe gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Do not submerge in water or machine wash
• Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural dye colors
• Store in a cool, dry place — avoid humid environments
• Do not overload — natural fiber handles are strong but not indestructible
• If it gets wet, reshape gently and allow to air dry completely before storing

Each Canasto is unique. Slight variations in pattern, color, and texture are the natural result of handweaving — and the mark of something no machine could ever replicate.