The Wayuus are an indigenous ethic group, descendants of the Caribs and Arawaks, living in the Guajira Peninsula located in the northernmost part of Colombia and northwest of Venezuela. They are largely known for their strong weaving tradition. Their extraordinary creations combine legends, myths, stories, traditions, culture, and customs passed from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

They live in communities called rancherias made up of branches, corrals and mud houses where 20 to 60 families belonging to the same matrilineal clan live. The clans are identified with a kanash that symbolizes the last name and the animal that represents them. Each rancheria is named after a plant, animal or geographic place.

The woman is the pillar of the Wayuu culture and the center of the family and the community. Wayúu children bear their mother’s last name. Weaving and crocheting have the utmost cultural relevance for the people of the tribe, and the rites of passage for women include becoming a master weaver. Women through their weavings are main supporters of their families.