High in the Andes mountains of El Cauca, where rivers flow like threads through its deep valleys and the earth breathes stories into the wind, live the Misak, known as “Children of the Water”, where the majority live in a small pueblo called Silvia. According to their ancestral teachings, the Misak were born from the union of water and earth. Their elders say that sometimes, the water didn't flow to the sea but seeped into the land, softening and stirring the soil until it gave way, giving light to the first Misak people from the mountain's womb.

This origin story highlights the Misak's profound connection to their land, especially as protectors of the water cycle and the paramos in Colombia. Their worldview embraces dualities such as the sun and moon, masculine and feminine, the cold mountain air and the warmth of the ground. For the Misak, the Earth is more than a place, it’s their Mother. It is their story, their teacher, and their responsibility to care for.

In the heart of this community, there's Arte Misak, a collective of women artisans dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage through beadwork and weaving. Each piece they create is a living narrative, infused with symbols and colors that represent elements of nature, their culture, and daily life. These artisans don't just craft; they teach. Mothers and grandmothers pass down their skills to the younger generation, ensuring that the art of beadwork remains a vibrant thread in the fabric of Misak identity.

Arte Misak is more than a collective, it's a tight-knit circle of friendship and creativity. Through their art, these women support their families, invest in their communities, and inspire the youth to embrace their roots. Each beaded earring and intricate design speaks to their homelands and love for their heritage.

We’ve been working with Arte Misak since the very beginning of Raíces Tejidas, and every time I see the creativity, love, and care they pour into each piece, I’m left in awe. You can tell these women take pride in their work and take color combining very seriously, every hue is thoughtfully chosen, every pattern a reflection of their surroundings. They’ve truly mastered the art of making each piece unique, and it shows in the way their creations feel alive, and full of character. 

Over the years, this collaboration has grown beyond just a working relationship, it has become a friendship built on mutual respect, creativity, and trust. We've had the honor of building a strong connection with William, who is Misak and from the community and the coordinator of the collective, who has become a bridge between us and the artisans. His dedication to supporting the women of Arte Misak and preserving their cultural traditions is something we deeply admire. We hope to visit their homelands in the highlands of Cauca soon and meet the entire team in person, a moment we've long looked forward to.

It means the world to them when they see their work being celebrated, shared, and appreciated across borders. Reading the kind words in your reviews, seeing photos of their work worn in places far from home brings joy and pride to their hearts.

Their beaded pieces have quickly become some of our best sellers, and for good reason. They are bold, thoughtful, full of intention, and unlike anything else. From Colombia to Europe, the U.S., and beyond, these one-of-a-kind creations have traveled far, carrying with them the spirit, culture, and creativity of the Misak people.