Maiki – Wayuu Mochila Crossbody Bag
Inspiration: Corn / Maíz in Spanish / Maiki in Wayuunaiki)
Cultural Significance: Corn is a foundational food in Wayuu culture. Sown with the rains from October to December, Maiki becomes “chicha” (a corn porridge) that nourishes families and plays a central role in community rituals, especially the chichamaya dance that marks a girl’s passage into womanhood.
Designer: Yaniris Epieyu, master weaver and mother of four from Anerrutumana, a Wayuu community in La Guajira, Colombia.
About the Collection: The Maiki Mochila is one of 12 original designs that were created during a Product Innovation & Cultural Design course at our Yala’yalaa School for Women’s Empowerment and exhibited at the Regenerative Runway in December 2025.
Every mochila in the Original Designers Collection was thoughtfully developed to tell a story about Wayuu culture and life in the “ranchería“ in La Guajira, Colombia.
Ethical
Sustainable
Handmade
Product details
Made by hand, not machine
Love the imperfections!
Enjoy the little details of your bag knowing it's an expression of the unique talent and weaving style of the artisan who made your bag.
Sizes & Dimensions
Small mochila:
17cm base x 20cm height
Medium mochila:
20cm base x 23cm height
Large mochila:
24cm base x 28cm height
How to Wash
Care instructions: Gentle machine wash.
Tip: pull the drawstring together and place the tassels inside the mochila.
X Do not tumble-dry
X Do not bleach
X Do not iron
Shipping
Domestic Shipping
We ship domestically based on the local postal service in Santa Barbara, California and Sydney, Australia.
Est. Domestic shipping times
Standard shipping (2-7 business days)
Express post (1-3 business days)
Shipping times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.
International Shipping
We offer international shipping to all major destinations based on our local postal services.
Est. International shipping times
Standard shipping (10-20 business days)
Express post (7-15 business days)
Shipping times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Local pick-up
We also offer free local pick-up in the Santa Barbara and Sydney region.
Get in touch with us for more information
FAQs
What material do the artisans weave with?
All of our products are handmade with an acrylic yarn from the interior of Colombia.
Traditionally, the Wayúu used to weave with a natural fibre from the Trupillo tree - a native tree to La Guajira referred to as 'el medico' (the medic) due to it's spirit as a healer.
Changing to an acrylic yarn has been the result of years of displacement and changing environmental conditions, making these natural fibres less accessible.
Where does the money from my purchase go?
10% - Seed funding for Community-led Projects designed by the artisans themselves.
40% - The Women's Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Program, which covers 10-month leadership course, in-community workshops, financial literacy and microloans.
50% - Production costs, which includes fair trade payment for over 100 artisans and covers all transport and material costs so artisans don't have any out-of-pocket expenses.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
Yes - all of our products are made to be loved. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you have 15 days to return or exchange it for another.
Return shipping fees may apply.
Can I machine wash my mochila?
Yes! A delicate or gentle wash is best.
See further instructions in the product details section above.
The Impact of your Purchase
Women's Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
The majority of your purchase funds consistent fair trade income-earning and educational opportunities for over 100 Wayúu women living in remote villages.
Community Projects
10% of each purchase goes towards seed funding for community-led projects designed and governed by the artisans themselves to create long lasting grassroots change that benefits entire communities.
Children's Nutrition and Education
We proudly sponsor 'Para los Niños del Mundo', a children’s school for Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, displaced and migrant children living in vulnerable conditions in La Guajira, Colombia.
