Women Artisans of Obepare, a Waorani Community

It’s an honor for us to collaborate with the talented women artisans of Obepare, a Waorani community renowned for their skill in weaving with chambira palm fiber. For centuries, the Waorani people have used this versatile fiber to create essential items such as bags, clothing, fishing nets, and ornamental jewelry. But what truly stands out is their mastery in crafting beautiful hammocks, known as yoo, which hold deep cultural significance—used during childbirth and symbolizing life itself.

We are currently working on an exciting project to build a communal house for these artisans—a space where they can gather, work, store materials, and showcase their creations.

This initiative is vital both for the Obepare community and for our team at Essentially Mindful. By promoting and preserving this artisanal tradition, we aim to honor the artisans’ work, empower them as skilled women, and support the economic growth of their community. We are deeply committed to uplifting these women and believe that our collaboration can have a lasting, positive impact on their lives and on Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage.