MEET OUR KAMENTSA ARTISANS
Doris del Carmen Chindoy
Master of Thread Weaving
For the past decade, Doris has specialized in thread weaving, where she brings to life the rich symbolism of the Kamentsa community. As a single mother of three children (15, 11, and 7 years old), she channels her creativity and cultural knowledge into supporting her family. Her pieces are distinctive for their intricate thread work, each one telling a story of her people's connection to the natural world.
Milena Salazar Chicunque
Specialist in Hummingbird Designs
Also 28, Milena brings nine years of dedicated craftsmanship to her work, with a special passion for creating hummingbird designs. "This work is like meditation," she shares, "allowing me to focus my time and energy into creation." Her pieces are known for their delicate representation of these sacred birds, each one refl ecting the meditative state
Maura C. Jansasoy
Guardian of Traditional Techniques
Maura carries forward a lifetime of artistic heritage from her home in Tamabioy village within the Kamentsa territory. "I showed great interest in this art from a very young age," she refl ects, "learning eagerly from our elders." Today, she has mastered all traditional beadwork jewelry techniques, supporting her two children single-handedly through her craft.
Sandra E. Chicunque
Young Master of Natural Symbolism
At 28, Sandra Elizabeth represents the vibrant future of Kamentsa artistry. Drawing on eight years of experience and generations of family legacy, she specializes in creating pieces that capture the essence of nature through traditional symbols. "This work is my family's legacy," "where we embed diff erent symbols of nature into each piece."
Omaira Chindoy
Artisan and Teacher
With 15 years of weaving expertise, Omaira (37) fi nds deep fulfi llment in her craft. It provides her with the independence to be present with her children while passing on these sacred traditions. "This work gives me the freedom to be with my children," she says, "teaching them our ancestral craft as they grow."
Carmen Chicunque
Lead Artisan and Master of Traditional Design
With 30 years of dedicated artistry, Carmen (43) leads our artisan community with unparalleled design and color combination expertise. "I am deeply grateful to those who purchase our pieces," she shares, "as they not only support our families but help preserve the ancestral traditions of Kamentsa art."
Supporting Tradition, Empowering Future Generations
By supporting these artisans, you're helping to:
Preserve ancient artistic traditions
Provide sustainable income for Indigenous families
Maintain cultural knowledge for future generations
Support women-led entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities
Foster authentic cultural exchange
Kamentsa Biyan
Weaving Tradition Into Modern Beauty
PIE
AMAZONICO,
COLOMBIA
In the heart of the Colombian Amazon, remarkable women of the Kamentsa community carry forward an ancestral jewelry-making tradition that speaks to their cultural heritage and intimate connection with the natural world. Each piece they create tells a story - not just of artistic beauty but of a living culture that has maintained its profound relationship with nature for countless generations.
Our Commitment to Cultural Reciprocity
When you acquire a piece of Kamentsa jewelry, you're not just purchasing a beautiful accessory—you're participating in a meaningful exchange that supports Indigenous artisans and their families while helping preserve vital cultural traditions. Each piece serves as a bridge between cultures and a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect indigenous wisdom and traditions. This represents true reciprocity with the Kamentsa people, who have been custodians of sacred plant wisdom and ecological knowledge for thousands of years.
The Language of Symbols
For the Kamëntsá women, ancestral symbols are a form of ancient writing—woven into wool bags and intricately beaded into jewelry. Each piece carries a deep connection to nature, expressing what they see and the elements they honor: the sun, corn, the path, the river, the frog, the tiger, and many more. These symbols embody their spiritual and ceremonial traditions, offering protection and guidance in everyday life. More than adornment, this jewelry is a living testament to their heritage, a language of the soul passed down through generations
A Living Connection
When you wear these pieces, you carry with you not just beautiful jewelry but a living connection to the Kamentsa culture and its profound understanding of the natural world. Each piece serves as a bridge between cultures and a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect indigenous wisdom and traditions.