Chaguar handbag SUSANA No. 4

Handbag made of chaguar, a material with a rich history.

The handbags come from a women's cooperative of the indigenous communities of Wichí, Pilagá, Qom, Qomle'ec, and Kolla, which connects and supports over 2,600 artisans. Their products are 100% sustainable, fairly traded, high-quality, and exclusive.

With your purchase you contribute to empowerment and the support of a culture and community.

Outside: Chaguar fabric

Technique: "old and traditional stitch" (traditional crochet/weaving technique of the Wichí, see description below)

Coloring: natural dyes obtained from various roots, barks, leaves, resins and native fruits.

Straps: high-quality Argentinian leather, approx. 55 cm.

Inside: textile lining, bronze magnets for closing and leather pendant for keys etc.

Dimensions: approx. 50 x 50 cm (minor deviations are possible due to handcrafting)

Design: Each piece is irreversibly unique and designed by a Wichí weaver.

The "old stitch" is called fwok'atsaj ch'otey in the Wichí language, which literally means armadillo ears. It is crocheted/woven with a single needle, and the uniqueness of the weft forces the weaver to create a unique pattern called "armadillo ears" because the thread is shaped similarly to this animal's ears.

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