Description
Suitkarayaa Kanaas represents the start of a Kanaa.
Kanaas or Kanaso’u are the most emblematic aspect of a Wayúu bag and perhaps the most representative of their culture.
Kanaas are the drawings crocheted on each bag, they represent the lives, the environment and the things that the Wayúu women hold dear or important. They are taught from mother to daughter from generation to generation, since pre-Colombian times. Weaving is the quintessential activity of a Wayúu woman and the knowledge is kept in their minds and hearts. No paper patterns are used. Such is the talent of a Wayúu woman.
The use of color by the Wayúu women does not necessarily represent anything in particular. Colours are used to represent the artist’s mood, her life, environment, his/her universe. Bright colours represent happiness, joy, satisfaction, whereas earth and ocre tones represent nostalgia, sadness or melancholy.
Each plato is different for each bag. They usually depict important memories in the life of the artisan, such as their children, their joys and sorrows.
Each unique Wayúu bag is a peek into the universe that each artist has within.