CUSTOMER SERVICE In Jenesano, Colombia, artisans do not want to let their traditions die CUSTOMER SERVICE

Artisans have been the people who dedicate their lives and seek their livelihood from the manufacture of fique products, a natural and traditional raw material from the department of Boyacá with which countless pieces are made for decoration or for the domestic use.

The work

Margarita Jiménez has dedicated herself to this work since she was a girl and today she leads the Jenesano Chacuart artisans' association, which seeks to overcome the difficult economic situation left by the pandemic by 2022 and for this they hope to have the association of more artisans and innovate with new designs.

The events

According to the artisan, since the pandemic they have not been able to work in the workshop and it has been up to each of the associates to make their products from home, individually. "At the moment there are seven people who make up Chacuart and in the next few days they hope to hold a meeting with the board of directors to evaluate how to integrate various artisans who want to associate and evaluate new designs that will serve them for future exhibitions and fairs," Jimenez said.

the fique

The fique or cabuya is a biodegradable fiber that, when decomposed, is used as food and fertilizer; In addition, it does not contaminate the water and allows clean production. Recyclable fique bags can also be made to pack cans, glass and plastic, replacing traditional garbage bags.

Currently, the artisan indicates, that the fique is extracted from some nearby farms in the municipality of Jenesano; however, since it is not so widely used today, it is scarce and sometimes they have to be purchased in the municipality of Boyacá, which is close to Jenesano; but she maintains that the quality of this product is not very good considering that it cannot be processed manually, and the final results are not the same.

The invitation

Given this, the artisans of the municipality invite people to support local products and Jenesano handicrafts, as they are traditions that have been part of many generations and families, in addition to being the livelihood of many families. "It is important to support the traditions of Boyacá and in the process generate employment and income for those who dedicate themselves to this trade, it is a way of thanking them for their talent and dedication," said Claudia Gutiérrez, affected by the pandemic.