Freddy and his sister, Rena Cortez. Rena is the president
of the Weenhayek women and involved in handicrafts.
Photo: Mary Catherine Hinds/CWS |
Rena Cortez is leader of the women in her Bolivian community of Weenhayek people. The Weenhayek are an indigenous population of hunters and gatherers who for centuries have sustained their lives by fishing and hunting along the banks of the Pilcomayo River. With the help of CWS partner, Center of Regional Studies for Development of Tarija (CER-DET), Rena and the women in her village are weaving handicrafts such as purses. These handcrafts provide them with additional income for buying food to supplement their diet of fish and wild vegetation, and for buying school supplies and books for their children.
The indigenous women of Bolivia have been weaving handicrafts for generations -- many starting to fashion their first item as young as 9 years old. Several hundred indigenous Weenhayek and Guarani palm crafts producers have learned effective ways to sustain their livelihood since CWS began its collaboration in 1999.
CWS-supported local technicians work with the women to improve their craftsmanship, recover traditional practices such as the use of natural dyes, market their products and to encourage re-planting of the resources they use to make their crafts. CWS-supported partners help the producers to organize so they can effectively engage in community production. The producers are now establishing policies on quality, style, price and ways of marketing and distribution. They are implementing training events to allow for an exchange of knowledge among the most skilled producers in the communities.
CER-DET markets the crafts in tourist venues of the larger cities in Bolivia. Purses, bowls, trivets, platters, and various home items are providing native women in the Chaco region of Bolivia with an opportunity for a brighter future.