Awajún & Cofán Exhibits in Perú & Ecuador

During the month of May the Awajún participated in the week-long Feria Arte Nativa “De la Selva Su Arte” organized by Mincetur in Lima, Perú. They were among the most talented artisans with their unique and elaborate collections.

On June 4th, Cofán artisans Feliza Ortiz and her daughter Marhy Mendua (pictured above) of Asociación Sukû, traveled from their community in Dureno, Sucumbios, to the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, for the opening of the ORG by vio & Amazon artisans jewelry exhibit on June 5th at the cultural center La Cuchara de San Marcos. We know that leaving their community is often difficult and we thank them for having made the trip to represent their work and association. ORG by vio’s Founder and Designer, Violeta Villacorta, joined them via Skype video. The opening was attended by locals, tourists and media, where the artisans posed for photographs and answered questions. The exhibit runs through July 5th.

In speaking with President Balbina Paukai of AMARNO association from the Awajún community in Urakusa, Perú, last week, she shared great news: The Awajún artisans have been asked to teach the children at their community school, as well as women in other communities, in efforts to reclaim and advance their ancestral artistry and creative skills. Their community and women in other communities are seeing the positive response and success of their work and see it important to pass these millenary art skills to the next generation. The Cofán artisans of Asociación Sukû have had similar requests. Success in our work is measured by how we can support the artisans in the advancement of their arts and culture, as well as through the sale of their unique and exquisite collections. This brings a great sense of fulfillment for the artisans and ORG by vio. We want to thank you for your patronage.

Photo courtesy of La Cuchara de San Marcos. For more photos, visit our Photo Journal.