One Thread Collective

The Art of the Mochila

In the remote deserts of La Guajira, Colombia, an important cultural legacy thrives thanks to the skilled hands of Wayúu women. For centuries, the Wayúu tribe has passed down unique weaving traditions from grandmother to granddaughter, crafting exquisite mochila bags as functional as they are culturally symbolic. Today, One Thread Collective, a nonprofit organization co-founded in 2020 by Executive Director Jackie Gilbert, partners with over 100 Wayúu women across eight villages to ensure this cherished art form not only endures but flourishes.

Wayúu women have woven mochilas in a circular motion for centuries, starting at the base and working upward to form the bag’s signature shape. This process takes 1-2 weeks per bag—a labor of love embodying patience, understanding, and ancestral knowledge. Each mochila reflects its maker's identity, featuring traditional Wayúu motifs passed down through generations.

The process begins with a rite of passage known as ‘encierro’, marking a girl’s transition to womanhood. During this sacred period, young Wayúu girls learn to weave chinchorros (hammocks), carrying forward the teachings of their ancestors. While commercialization threatens the quality of work in Colombia, One Thread Collective combats this by paying artisans seven times the local rate and offering a sustainable source of income to many Wayúu women.