Chaguar-Clutch with leather No. 2 - unique

Leather Clutch with chaguar – a material with a rich tradition

This beautiful clutch was handmade by women of the indigenous Wichí community in northern Argentina. The Wichí women craft their products using chaguar, a native wild plant whose leaf fibers are spun into threads, naturally dyed, and manually woven into artistic textiles. Together with women from the Pilagá, Qom, Qomle'ec, and Kolla communities (locally based indigenous peoples of northern Argentina), they create their pieces within their women’s cooperative, which connects and supports more than 2600 artisans. Their products are 100% sustainable, fair trade, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind.

By purchasing this product, you contribute to the empowerment of indigenous women and the preservation of their culture and community.

Exterior: Chaguar fabric (plant-based fiber, processed without chemicals)

Technique: “Old and traditional stitch” (traditional weaving technique of the Wichí, see description below)

Dyeing: Natural dyes extracted from various roots, bark, leaves, resins, and native fruits

Strap: High-quality Argentine vegetable-tanned leather

Interior: Textile lining, zipper closure, and inner leather pocket

Dimensions: approx. 35 × 22 × 31 cm (bottom length × height × top length) (slight variations may occur due to handmade production)

Design: Each piece is an irreversible one-of-a-kind creation by a Wichí weaver (colors may vary slightly from the photos)

The “old stitch” is called fwok'atsaj ch'otey in the Wichí language, which literally translates to armadillo ears. It is crocheted/woven with a single needle, and the unique pattern of the weft creates a distinctive design. The thread takes on a shape reminiscent of armadillo ears, hence the name.

The Wichí live in the Gran Chaco region of northern Argentina. There, the artisans harvest the fibers of the chaguar plant (a native species that grows wild in the bush). They then spin, dye, and weave them entirely by hand. The techniques for the different stitches and patterns are passed down from generation to generation, although each piece remains a unique and special creation.