Description

Arhuaco Bag – Blocks: A Sacred Symbol of Life

The Arhuaco Bag, also known as Mochila Arhuaca or Tutu Iku, is a sacred artisan bag made by the Arhuaco women of the Sierra Nevada in Colombia. The bag is a symbol of the creation of all life, and knitting it is a sacred activity to honor all life on earth. The Arhuaco women make it as a ceremonial work to give back to the earth what is taken out of it, representing the uterus of the Universal Mother.

Creation of Life

For the Arhuaco people, knitting the Mochila is a sacred activity that represents the creation of all life. The women make it as a ceremonial work to give back to the earth what is taken out of it. The bag represents the uterus of the Universal Mother. Each bag is unique and carries indigenous drawings or representations of animals and other objects of the indigenous cosmology.

Sheep Wool

Knitting Mochilas is an activity assigned exclusively to women. The materials required by the task are: sheep wool, needle, and spindle. The wool is washed and dried in the sun. Subsequently, it is wound on the spindle, and finally, the bag begins to be knitted with the needle. Girls aged four and older are engaged in this practice along with their grandmothers.

Older Brothers

The Sierra Indians call themselves ‘the older brothers’ and believe that they have a mystical wisdom and understanding that surpasses that of others. They refer to outsiders as ‘the younger brothers.’ The older brothers believe it is their responsibility to maintain the balance of the universe. When there are hurricanes, droughts, or famines around the world, it is said that they are the cause of human failure to keep the world in harmony. Balance is achieved by making offerings to the sacred sites to give back to the earth what is taken out of it.

Features

• Handmade by Arhuaco women of the Sierra Nevada in Colombia
• Made of 100% sheep wool
• Unique indigenous drawings and representations of animals and other objects of the indigenous cosmology
• Symbol of the creation of all life
• Perfect to be used as medicine bags

Support the Indigenous People of South America

By purchasing an Arhuaco Bag – Blocks, you are supporting the indigenous people of South America. Wisdom of Plants Institute is committed to supporting the Ika people in the Sierra Nevada, and your purchase helps us to achieve this goal. Visit Wisdom of Plants Institute to purchase your Arhuaco Bag – Blocks today.