Colorful and breathtaking, are just a few words to describe the hand-beaded creations crafted by the artisans of Inga Awaska, a beading and cultural workshop founded by Luz Maria Tisoy and Nestor Jacanamijoy Tisoy in Santiago, Putumayo, Colombia. More than just a workspace, Inga Awaska is a gathering place where artisans of the Inga community come together to share time, stories, and tradition through their symbolic beadwork.

In the Inga worldview, everything is interconnected. For example, the womb is a sacred symbol, often represented in traditional belts known as chumbes, which serve as an inspiration that also appears in their beadwork, honoring life, creation, and continuity.

The women of Inga Awaska are masters at beadwork, a tradition passed down from their elders. Their work, colors, and symbols are inspired by nature, ancestral knowledge, and the vibrant colors of their heritage. Each piece they create is more than an accessory, it's a narrative, a legacy, and a work of art.

What makes these pieces even more meaningful is their ethical foundation. Every item is handcrafted using sustainable, small-scale methods that respect both the environment and the people involved. Inga Awaska is committed to fair trade principles, ensuring that artisans receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and retain full cultural and creative ownership of their designs.

These earrings are crafted using techniques such as stringing, where beads are threaded onto string or wire, and loom beading, which uses a specialized loom to weave beads into flat, highly detailed designs. The results are stunning pieces that speak volumes about identity, culture, ethical craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of handmade tradition.