The Origin And Tale Of Weaving
The Wayúu rely completely on their language as their traditions are transmitted orally from generation to generation, creating multiple versions of the myths and legends that explain their origins. Such is the case of the Waleker legend, the one that recounts the origins of spinning and weaving for the Wayúu.
Another common legend, the weaving tradition comes from “Wale’kerü” a spider that taught women how to weave, and use the thread, colors, and patterns as a storytelling technique. Thus, each bag is unique to the weaver, and it is extremely unlikely to find a duplicate. The Wayúu believe that this action represents the exit of the child spirit and weaving is one of the most knowledgeable thing the women can learn.