The Black and White edit
New Wounaan baskets from Panama and Colombia, and two Emberá horse masks, all in black, white and ivory. Every one is one of one.
Sourced direct.
Jen buys directly from named artisans, artist cooperatives and artist representatives at fair prices, real relationships across six traditions.
Made to last.
Natural fibers and techniques refined over generations. Collected by museums; built to outlive trends.
Field notes · Darién, Panama
Paid before the basket is finished
Most of the Wounaan baskets here were paid for before they were done. Deposits go out every month or so through my longtime partner in Panama, and the balance follows on completion. It is what lets a weaver like Telma Mejia spend a year on one basket instead of ten quick ones. Fourteen years on, that is still how I buy.
Each one the only one
Meet the weaver · Chocó, Colombia
Crucelina
Crucelina Chocho Opua is a Wounaan weaver from the Papayo resguardo on the San Juan river in Colombia's Chocó. I have bought from her for several years, in Bogotá and at the folk art market in Santa Fe. When she sells a basket she is not selling for herself alone. She represents her whole community, and that community is rebuilding after the August earthquake.
Meet your curator
Jen
Every piece is chosen by Jen, purchased where possible from the artisan who made it, and bought at fair prices, with only artist cooperatives or artist representatives as intermediaries. That’s why it costs what it costs, and why it’s worth it.
Loved, lived with, passed down
I own three — each tells a story and sparks conversation.
One of the most beautifully woven baskets I have ever seen.
The stitching is even more impressive in person.