Leyvi Garabato Donisabe | Asoc Mujeres del Litoral

A Woven Story of Survival: The Art of Asoc Mujeres del Litoral

In the rainforests of Chocó, Colombia, the Wounaan Indigenous people have preserved a sacred weaving practice that reflects their deep connection to the land. Leyvi Garabato Donisabe, a leader of Asoc Mujeres del Litoral, embodies this legacy by transforming natural fibers into exquisite baskets and jewelry. Displaced from her ancestral home due to regional conflicts in 2003, Leyvi and her family returned years later, finding solace and strength in their traditional art form. Each woven piece carries the determination of a people–primarily women who learned as children and became experts at age twenty by imitating their elders—who continue to honor tradition while forging new opportunities for their community.

Asoc Mujeres del Litoral artisans use chunga and nahuala palm fibers, which are meticulously handwoven and naturally dyed with plant-based pigments. These intricate patterns—passed down through generations—symbolize ancestral knowledge, environmental stewardship, and the Wounaan’s enduring spirit. While basketry has long been a cornerstone of their heritage, the group has expanded into jewelry-making, blending traditional materials with contemporary designs that resonate globally.

Today, over 85 women and their families are part of this growing collective, ensuring their craft survives and thrives. Recognized at international festivals from New York to Uzbekistan, Asoc Mujeres del Litoral shows how folk art bridges cultural identity, empowers women, and sustains the rainforest traditions that define Wounaan artistry.