Description
These colorful and detailed flat baskets “Balays” are made by the Cubeo people who live where the jungle meets the vast Vaupés river in Colombia.
Making them is an art that is passed through generations.
The flat baskets are woven from natural fibers and colored with natural dyes, they are traditionally used as trays in which food is placed for sharing. Their patterns are inspired by animals, plants, and their origin stories.
Balay patterns reflect the tiger’s face, butterfly wings, monkey tails, stars and constellations, the spider’s web, fish in the river, and the mirroring of the leaves on the palms.
It is said that the balay is where the Cubeo people receive messages from “the father” so the weave must be tight to keep this wisdom from falling through.
ARTISANS: artisans of Puerto Tolima – Colombia.
MATERIAL: natural fibers.
COLORS: Yellow, Red, and Brown
FABRICATION: 100% hand woven.
ORIGIN: Vaupés region in Colombia – South America.
DIMENSIONS: 10″ in diameter – 25.4 cm in diameter.
WEIGHT: 1.5 oz – 42.5 grams.
BRAND: Kiskadee Design – Ethical and sustainable Home Decor. Each of our pieces contributes to helping women and members of various indigenous communities in the countries of origin.
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