In the heart of the Andean rainforest, the gods created the Emberá Chamí tribe from the land and rivers. In their native tongue, embera means “people” and chami means “mountains.” They are strongly connected to their ancestral lands, taking care of the rivers and farming in community, with no concept of owning the Earth, their mother.
In modern-day Colombia, decades of conflict have made the Emberá Chamí into incredibly resilient people. Thousands now find themselves displaced to city slums. The issues that led them there are complex, but include violent rebel groups, armed conflict, corrupt rubber harvesting, and lack of access to basic resources.
This has left them vulnerable to physical and cultural extinction as declared in 2009 by the Constitutional Court of Columbia.
Despite it all, the Emberá Chamí preserve their ancestral wisdom and heritage through dance, music, and handicrafts. They are most well-known for their beadwork, a clear channel of expressing their colorful wisdom and connection to their origin, the rainforest.
Beaded jewelry as “living altars”, infused with protection and spiritual guidance
Okamas are beaded necklaces that depict a woman's life story, and enhance protections for her spirit. Girls receive an okama necklace on their first moon. Men traditionally wear otapas which are believed to help the wearer navigate their spiritual realms.
Mothers and grandmothers teach their daughters how to weave and bead at a young age to preserve the knowledge and way of their ancestors. They rely on their artistry as a main source of income and work in the hopes of getting back their land someday.
Amplifying Emberá Chamí Voices
Hernando Villa, co-founder of Earth Wisdom, has a deep connection with the Emberá Chamí, having grown up near their community.
“Their beauty is expressed in their weavings: necklaces, tapestries, baskets, belts… they mark all kinds of spiritual initiations in womanhood and manhood. Their necklaces are carefully handbeaded with sacred designs to represent our connection with all the elements and forces of nature. The Emberá Chamí women somehow trace a map to guide us in our spiritual life. They’re magical for initiations as well as for daily wear.”
For over 35 years, Hernando has been striving to uplift Emberá Chamí voices. When he served as environmental counselor, Hernando created gardens for the impoverished, and ensured their spaces remained green.
In 2018, Hernando and his partner Kathi started a regenerative farm project in Colombia called ARKA de la Tierra. They invited an Emberá Chamí family to farm on the land, reigniting their purpose and joy. Collaborating on the Earth Wisdom beaded jewelry collection supports this same family, with three generations of women who are experts in sacred beadwork.
“Visitors to ARKA get to learn the beading techniques directly from the Emberá Chamí women. It’s a meditative and healing practice that helps connect people to higher consciousness,” said Kathi.
“We want to help indigenous people keep in touch with their lands and support their artistry. But more than anything, we want to preserve their prayer and wisdom."
Art practices like the beadwork of the Emberá Chamí deserve our attention and support. The beaded jewelry in Earth Wisdom Collection is a result of our special alliance. We’re honored to help uplift their sacred wisdom in a world where it's nearly been extinguished.
Have you ever had a meaningful encounter with indigenous cultures or artisans? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below!