New: Sabana Wool Throws

POSTED BY Someware LA, 21.Oct.2014

The weather is finally cooling down and we’re looking forward to nestling under cozy covers. It goes without saying that we're big wool fans, for its rich texture and celebrated warmth, so we’re thrilled to have this line now in stock.  

Each throw is handwoven in Boyaca, Colombia and made out of virgin wool which is strong and thick thanks to very minimal processing. The colors are 100% natural and their luxurious softness in combination with unvarnished finishes make them the perfect balance between sophistication and rawness.

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Introducing: Veronica Jaramillo

POSTED BY Giselle Hernandez, 19.Sep.2014

In the heart of Bogota, Colombia, I discovered a small studio called Taller de Ceramica Veronica Jaramillo and fell in love with the utilitarian pieces for the kitchen and home. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, handcrafted using stoneware and custom high-fire reduction glazes, and inspired by every day rituals. Veronica's current collection is available for purchase here.

A study of things: Balays

POSTED BY Giselle Hernandez, 10.Jun.2013

Balays have a beautifully intricate and eye-catching appearance, often sparking interesting surrounding their possible uses. We decided to dig a little deeper and uncover more about their functional, symbolic, historic and social value.

Basket weaving is a common tradition practiced throughout the Amazon Jungle. For some groups - like Huitoto, Muinane, Desana and Cubeo - this is an activity purely undertaken by men. They gather the materials needed from the interior of the jungle. The natural fibers that are commonly used for constructing Balays come from Guarumo, Juajua, Cumare and Chambira palm trees. After gathering the young leaves they are stripped into long fibers, washed in the river and boiled, before being left out in the sun to dry. Once dried, they can be used in their natural color form or dyed.

Traditionally, balays were used to offer cassava/yuca bread. These days they are commonly used as wall hangings or as part of a table setting as serving trays, and to display household objects.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about their anthropology, is that according to indigenous accounts, the design of a Balay is meant to symbolize the umbilical cord; the central area being where it begins and the wide woven edge representing the cord.

These woven trays with intricate designs and a rustic aesthetic quality hold an interesting connection between domestic and symbolic use. We celebrate that everyday objects of indigenous origin like this one are still being made by the same people and in the same way. And more importantly that we contribute to their longevity by introducing them in other places outside from their original surrounding.