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Throughout all handwoven bag she sells throughout the palm-lined promenade of the coastal municipality, one artisan feels that she's offering an element of her heritage

Previously utilized solely by this indigenous community, the biggest indigenous group in the South American country, the bags - called traditional bags - currently stand as an essential product throughout the country, and popular with foreign tourists

In present times the bags are also increasingly sold in global boutiques, displayed during fashion events around the world, and listed on channels such as digital retail and social platforms - engaging purchasers who may never have visited Colombia

"Because of online posts, foreign tourists are growing very knowledgeable regarding the traditional carrier," the craftswoman says. "They recognise and respect its heritage significance"

Ancestral Practice combined with Commercial Aspect

Weaving has long been fundamental for the native population, that count nearly four hundred thousand nationwide

They have lived through generations on the dry land area of La Guajira throughout the northeastern area of the country, and reach into bordering Venezuela

Techniques are passed down from generation to generation, with geometric patterns on many mochilas reflecting family heritage, religious belief, and environmental elements

Weaving is also an essential means of revenue in La Guajira, the nation's second most impoverished area, where 66% of the population reside in financial hardship

For the craftswoman, both domestic bag sales and overseas trade have bettered situations within her indigenous village of 11 families, and permitted her family members to pursue higher education

International Interest together with Regional Difficulties

However although the increasing worldwide interest has improved opportunities for some, it has additionally generated obstacles

Numerous craftswomen face exploitation, and apprehensions remain that heritage techniques are being undermined for quick output and financial profit

Various native artisans - assisted by ethically-minded businesspeople - are striving to reach better overseas opportunities and advance the bag's heritage significance

Costs of indigenous bags range widely

• A medium-sized basic quality carrier - created using simpler designs and weaving techniques - may be located across Colombia for approximately twenty dollars - occasionally cheaper
• Superior carriers usually open at approximately eighty dollars and can rise to several hundred pounds, depending on the crafting period, detail of the motif

Traditionally, mochilas were crafted through extended periods, yet growing market prompted various craftswomen to establish speedier approaches, producing simpler designs within several days

Business Ventures combined with Market Dynamics

For local innovator an enterprise creator, compliments on the indigenous carrier she was using while traveling overseas inspired a commercial concept

She founded bag business Chila Bags in 2013

"Digital platforms were emerging, and the brand commenced expanding," she comments

Ms Chica states she concentrates on premium purses featuring ancestral motifs and aspects

The bags reflect the craftswomen's abilities, work, and culture, for which they obtain appropriate payment, she says

Her brand has appeared in periodicals, including global style publications, and displayed in international fashion weeks and high-end retail spaces across multiple continents

Dual Markets combined with Commercial Circumstances

Yet does she consider the flourishing popularity of the carriers has proven advantageous for the Wayuu?

For Ms Chica, that very much depends on which market you look at

"Various enterprises, and individuals focused on the history of the production process, that aim to continue presenting it globally," she says

She adds that these provide a market for customers who value indigenous arts, environmental responsibility and ethical commerce, and are willing to pay more

But not all weavers have been able to access methods to collaborate with these businesses that provide appropriate payment, says Ms Chica

Conversely she states that various need to utilize a parallel market where fast output, business and income are prioritized, that compromises compensation and the standard of the product

Commercial Challenges

In Riohacha's Mercado Nuevo - a maze-like market filled with colourful stalls offering thread, heritage hanging beds and traditional carriers - numerous artisans works on the ground level, working

They state that go-betweens, or brokers, may offer them as little as $5.50 per bag, yet after covering thread and transport, they frequently make merely $1.50 - not counting the crafting time

Various native artisans come from countryside, distant settlements where exclusively the indigenous language - {the Wayuu language|the