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150 A.D. marked the year when one of Colombia's main indigenous tribes, Wayuu, moved from the Amazon forest to the La Guajira desert. With a population of 300,000 individuals covering over 10,000 square kilometers, the tribe hangs on to its traditions separate from the rest of the country. The Wayuu people speak their own language, the Wayuunaiki, collect water from wells, and live in rancherías furnished only with hammocks and the basic necessities.

 

This group's rich heritage is expressed by creating mochilas and hammocks through intricate weaving techniques like the Si’ira, passed down from one generation to another. Women play a strong role in the community's culture, and often get up before dawn to look after cattle or cook. Wayuu children take their mother's last name and the girls of the tribe go through specific rituals once they reach puberty, often being secluded for months and having meat be removed from their diet.

 

There are 30 clans in the Wayuu tribe, and each of them has their own leader who is responsible for making decisions. More often than not, the informal leaders are direct descendants of previous leaders and strive to keep the traditions of the community.

 

The harsh conditions in which the Wayuu people live didn't stop them from battling for their freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries. Along with the Dutch and British invasion, the community learned the use of guns as well as horse riding. The desert also helped the group maintain its independence from both Colombia and Venezuela, and continues to occupy a space on the border between the 2 countries. However, despite the Wayuu's dual nationality on paper, their lack of identity cards makes them an easy prey for local officials. People from the community are often unable to cross the border due to their rights being ignored since the border controls tightened in 2015.

 

Although used to survive from farming and agriculture, the climate change made it harder for people of the tribe to sustain themselves. The water collected from the wells they build is often salty, resources are scarce and electricity is considered a luxury. Due to malnutrition and crime becoming more and more of an issue, the community turned to tourism as a way to make ends meet. By sharing their rich customs and colorful handcrafts with the rest of the world, the Wayuu are more able to turn the page and create a new life for themselves.