From the craft
Gold and silver jewelry. In the land of El Dorado, you can find beautiful jewelry made by artisans inspired by nature or pre-Columbian motifs. Gold is often mixed with silver, and jewelry stores generally offer quality jewelry. The small town of Mompox is known for its fine silver and gold work. The art of filigree, present since the Spanish conquest, has been passed down from generation to generation. The thin threads of gold and silver are soldered together, leaving days, to give a delicate embroidery effect. The city has about twenty jewelry shops and most of them offer tours of their workshops, where you can observe the dexterity of the craftsmen.
Emeralds. Colombia is the first emerald producing country in the world. These precious stones are extracted in the mines of Muzo, Coscuez, Gachalá and Chivor (Boyacá and Cundinamarca), before being cut and sold in jewelry stores in Cartagena and elsewhere. In Bogotá, you can also visit the Emerald Trade Center, a building in the center of the capital that specializes in "green stone", with its stone cutters, small trading rooms and stores. Emeralds are also sold on the sly at the foot of the building, on the Plazoleta del Rosario. But be careful, this informal market, in full view of everyone, is reserved for the very closed circle of " comisionistas " who know perfectly well how to determine the quality of the stones. The value of the gem depends on four factors: color, clarity, shape and weight. In terms of color, "Colombian green" ranges from light bluish tones to darker, more intense green tones. It is the benchmark for emerald. For clarity, it is important to know that all emeralds naturally contain inclusions, which appear during the crystallization of the stone. These inclusions, or "gardens" of emerald, are visible to the naked eye (those that are only visible with a magnifying glass are rare and therefore very expensive). Beyond the natural inclusions, the focus is on the transparency and luminosity of the stone, the way it captures light, its brilliance. Emerald cutting is a difficult art because the stone is fragile. It must take into account the inclusions to place them in such a way that they bring out the color of the gem. The emerald cut is rectangular with beveled sides. It approximates the hexagonal shape of the stone and allows the eye to penetrate deep into the gem. Crystals can also be cut in oval or pear shapes. Finally, the weight plays a role in the value of an emerald, but less than the purity and brilliance of the stone. The unit of measurement is the carat, which corresponds to 0.20 grams. Emeralds can be bought either as rough stones (morillons), cut or already mounted. Rings, pendants and earrings are most often associated with gold or silver. Prices in Colombia, even in luxury stores, are interesting compared to those in European jewelry stores. You just have to be careful where you buy them: prefer reputable stores and demand a certificate of authenticity, because counterfeiters are talented and prices are sometimes fancy.
Jewelry made of natural fibers or multicolored beads(chaquiras). Bracelets, pendants or earrings made of seeds, shells, palms, beads, macramé, etc. are sold by the artisans themselves in the streets of the tourist areas and in the artisanal markets. Negotiation is possible but do not exaggerate (around 10%), be aware of the work that goes into these objects. Do not buy products made from coral or any other protected animal or plant species.
A mochila. This is the famous traditional bag that is worn over the shoulder. It is used both by the indigenous communities who make it, and by the urban hipsters! In reality, there are multiple mochilas. The most famous is the wayúu mochila, recognizable by its flamboyant colors. A fashion accessory symbol of Colombia, the wayúu mochila is nonetheless a sacred element in the wayúu culture. It is at the time of theencierro rite that the young girls learn to weave from their mothers, grandmothers and aunts. They are accompanied throughout this apprenticeship by Wale'Kerü (the Spider), the female spirit who has passed on her secrets of weaving to the Wayúu people. Each bag represents the body of a mother, the creation of life. The geometric figures, called kanaas, refer to cosmology, or to the dreams of the weavers (the place of dreams is very important to the Wayúu). It takes about twenty days to weave a bag. Therefore, be respectful of this beautiful work by not haggling (or very little) when you buy a mochila in Riohacha. The same is true for other bags of character, like the arhuaca mochila, with darker tones (beige, black, gray, ochre...), woven by the arhuaca women, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Each stitch is linked to a thought and the mochila illustrates the extension of the womb and the universal Madre Tierra. When a man loads his bag on his shoulder, he carries his whole community with him!
A carriel paisa. This traditional leather bag is one of the indispensable accessories of the peasant of the Antioquia region. It has secret pockets, in which traditionally the muleteers hid their valuables. A nice souvenir if you are in the region, especially in Jericó, where you can visit the workshops where they make them.
A wayúu chinchorro. Like the mochila, the chinchorro wayúu is patiently embroidered by hand for several months. It is what one could call a luxury hammock. Long, wide and ultra-comfortable, it can accommodate two to three people. The price for a real handmade chinchorro is several hundred euros.
A hammock from San Jacinto (Bolívar). Solid, colorful and handmade, by women but also here by men, they are again beautiful hammocks, this time inherited from the Zinu culture.
Miniature Willy's chivas or jeeps. These old buses and jeeps with roofs full of fruit, coffee bags, chickens, etc. are emblematic of rural areas. They can be found in miniature in the handicrafts: in clay, iron, or wood. The town of Pitalito, next to San Agustin (Huila), is famous for its chivas pottery, which it has been producing for decades.
Coffee cups, mugs, etc. Don't worry, the artisans also have the art of packaging! The village of Raquirá, the "artisanal capital of Colombia," is famous for its ceramics. The ceramics of Carmen de Viboral (Antioquia) are also known for their quality.
Molas. This layering of fabrics using the reverse appliqué technique is the work of the guna women (pronounced "kuna "), who live in the Gulf of Urabá and especially in the San Blas archipelago in Panama. The colorful patterns are inspired by nature and the Guna cosmovision. The molas cover the tunics of indigenous women, but are increasingly sold as a decorative element or integrated into the design of leather bags. A rather successful combination, both chic and modern.
Animal carvings, masks, or wooden mobiles, make good souvenirs. They can be found in all regions of the country. The city of Pasto (Nariño) is known for its objects varnished with a pre-Columbian decorative technique called Barniz de Pasto. The Pasto varnish is elaborated with a natural lacquer obtained from mopa mopa, a plant that grows in Putumayo and Caqueta.
Musical instruments: maracas, mini-marimbas, tambourines, guaita, guacharaca... The municipio of San Jacinto (Bolívar), known for its hammocks, is also famous for the manufacture of musical instruments, especially drums. We are here in the cradle of the cumbia.
Clothing and accessories
The textile and clothing sector is booming in Colombia. The Hecho en Colombia is often of much better quality and not much more expensive than the Made in China, especially since creativity is at the rendezvous. Medellín, the Colombian capital of fashion, is full of talented designers and hosts each year the Colombiamoda fair, one of the major events of the sector in Latin America. Johanna Ortiz, Arturo Calle, PatPrimo, Carmel, Mario Hernández, just to name a few brands, are revolutionizing ready-to-wear, often with warm colors and refined ethnic motifs. Leonisa, Laura, Formfit Rogers, Berkshire, Touché, Agua bendita and OndadeMar are well-known lingerie and swimwear brands.
Leather goods. Colombian leather is of high quality and the prices are reasonable. You'll find great deals on shoes, bags, jackets, belts, etc. Vélez, Mario Hernandez, or Bosi are well-known brands
Ruanas (ponchos) made of pure sheep's wool. The village of Nobsa (Boyacá) is famous for its thick, soft and warm ruanas, which you will appreciate during your long winter evenings!
Guayabera . This elegant cotton shirt, with its embroidery(bordados) in floral and geometric patterns, is ideal for the hot and humid climate. Made in Cartago, it is all the rage in the chic streets of Cartagena.
Hats. The most famous is the sombrero vueltiao. This emblematic hat of Colombia has a fundamental role in the choreography of the cumbia dance. Inherited from the Zenú culture, it is made of caña flecha fiber in the savannahs of the Caribbean region. The sombrero aguadeño is another quality headdress. Originating fromAguadas (Caldas), it is made fromiraca palm, the same one used for the prestigious panama.
Soccer shirt. Fans of Falcao or James will not forget to bring back the camiseta of the Colombian selection. They can even get a leather ball made in the workshops of Mongui (Boyacá).
And some sweets
If you want to please a Colombian far from his country, bring him some traditional sweets:
Bocadillos veleños. These guava and panela (unrefined sugar cane juice) pastes wrapped in banana leaves are made in Vélez and other villages in Santander and Boyacá. They are easily found in supermarkets.
A bottle of aguardiente, rum and a loaf of panela, an essential ingredient of theaguapanela, a typical Colombian drink.
And of course coffee, preferably in beans (for the preservation of the taste), giving preference to export coffee bought from a producer.
