Colorful and intricate 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. More than just a workspace, Inga Awaska is a gathering place where members of the Inga community come together to share time, stories, and tradition through their distinctive, symbolic beadwork.

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

The women of Inga Awaska are experts in beadwork, a tradition passed down from their elders. Their art is deeply 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. And is Indigenous-owned and operated. 

These intricate necklaces 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.