Black Ladder

The ladder serves as both a practical tool and a powerful metaphor. It symbolizes connections with ancestors, the universe, other worlds, and one another. In the Chocó rainforests, where the Wounaan people live, it is particularly useful because their houses are several meters above the ground, protecting them from the frequent floods.

Artist: Wounaan Artist Community "Artesania Renacer"

Origin: Buenaventura, Colombia

Manufacturing Time: 20 Days

Technique: Ancestral Manual Weaving

Measures: Small Circle Diameter; 1.9 cm - Big Circle Diameter; 4.5 cm - Total Height (With Hook); 7.5 cm

Materials: Werrengue, Silver 925

The craft of werregue is unique in the world. Anthropologists believe that this weaving tradition has African origins, characterized by exactness, coordination, and rhythm. Today, it is primarily practiced by the Wounaan and Embera indigenous peoples living in the Chocó region, which boasts one of the strongest Afro-descendant communities outside of Africa. The craft is notable for its challenging technique, which allows for the weaving of palm fiber so solidly that the crafted baskets are capable of even transporting water.

All colors are of natural origin. For example, white is the natural color that remains in the 'werrengue' after its preparation process before dyeing. 'Puchicama' is the plant used for dyeing; when mixed with 'werrengue' and buried underground, it results in the color black (after 4 hours). However, if cooked without being buried underground, it will result in the color red.

Package: Cardboard (Räpina Paberivabrik AS, 90% of the raw material is waste paper), reuse of cardboard waste (OÜ Järsi).