Decorative woven copper plate displayed on modern wall as sculptural indigenous art piece
Large copper woven decorative plate with intricate patterns by master artisan Plinio Opua
Decorative woven copper plate displayed on modern wall as sculptural indigenous art piece
Large copper woven plate displayed as sculptural wall art in modern interior space
Colombian artisan hands weaving

Copper Woven Large Decorative Plate by Plinio Opua

MAG-126

Handwoven in Colombia |★★★★★

Masterful Copper Weaving Artistry

This stunning large decorative plate showcases the exceptional artistry of renowned Wounaan master weaver Plinio Opua. Handcrafted in Colombia using traditional techniques, the piece is formed from a tightly coiled base of Werregue palm fiber sourced from the Chocó rainforest and wrapped in fine copper wire, creating a luminous surface that softly reflects light.

Master artisan Plinio Opua applies traditional Wounaan coiling methods with exceptional precision, building the form gradually while wrapping copper wire in continuous, controlled motion. This technique creates a refined tension between structure and surface, where the organic palm fiber core is enhanced by the metallic sheen of copper. Each plate requires extended hours of focused handwork to achieve its seamless, sculptural finish.

Details

Dimensions: 17″ W × 4″ D
Material: Copper wire over palm fiber, natural dyes
Origin: Colombia (made by master artisan Plinio Opua)
Construction: Hand-coiled with copper wrapping
Edition: One of one · SKU MAG-126

Each Colombian Wounaan basket is purchased directly from the artist at fair prices that support families, preserve tradition, and sustain local economies. Along the river communities of Colombia’s Chocó rainforest, Wounaan weavers continue a centuries-old tradition of crafting extraordinary handwoven baskets.

Natural palm fibers are wrapped in precise stitches to form bold geometric patterns that reflect the landscape and culture of the region. Each piece is woven entirely by hand, creating distinctive Wounaan artisan baskets valued for their precision, heritage, and sculptural beauty.

Regular price$875.00
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Approx. 17″ diameter × 4″ D (43 × 10 cm)
  • One-of-a-kind artisan basket
  • Handwoven in the Colombian rainforest
  • 1000's of stitches over months & years
Free Returns 14 Days
Artisan Made Direct from Community
Trusted Since 2000 25+ Years

Handwoven in colombia by

Wounaan Master Weavers

No. of Artisans

50+ active artists across multiple communities

Origin

Chocó Region, Colombia


Fairly Made. Community Driven.

Each Colombian Wounaan basket is purchased directly from the artist at fair prices that support families, preserve tradition, and sustain local economies.

Along the river communities of Colombia’s Chocó rainforest, Wounaan weavers continue a centuries-old tradition of crafting extraordinary handwoven baskets. Natural palm fibers are wrapped in precise stitches to form bold geometric patterns that reflect the landscape and culture of the region.

Each piece is woven entirely by hand, creating distinctive Wounaan artisan baskets valued for their precision, heritage, and sculptural beauty.

The Making

Colombian Wounaan baskets are masterfully handwoven from shredded palm fronds, prepared into fine fibers and dyed with natural pigments from rainforest roots, berries, and leaves.

Each handmade Wounaan basket is both a work of art and a cultural heirloom, reflecting the rainforest and the heritage of Colombia’s indigenous weavers.

Dyes Sourced from Nature

Saffron

Golden pigment from delicate threads

Trumpet Vine

Wild blossoms turned natural dye

Liana Vine

Gathered from the rainforest canopy.

The Story

Wounaan, or Werregue baskets from Colombia, carry the strength and spirit of the Chocó rainforest. Woven by Indigenous Wounaan artists, each basket reflects the rhythms of the forest and a long tradition of Colombian Indigenous basket weaving, where bold geometric patterns echo body painting, pottery, and the natural forms of plant and animal life.

These handwoven Colombian baskets are made using fibers from the werregue palm, a rainforest plant that allows artisans to create remarkably durable and sculptural forms. Each basket is coiled slowly by hand with thicker forms and longer stitches, giving Wounaan baskets their distinctive texture and weight.

The result is a one-of-a-kind woven basket, shaped by tradition, landscape, and the individual hand of the artist who made it.

FAQ's

Colombian Wounaan baskets are finely handwoven baskets created by Wounaan artisans living in the rainforest regions of western Colombia near the Pacific coast. The Wounaan people are internationally known for producing some of the most intricate baskets in the world.

Using a very tight coil weaving technique, artisans create detailed geometric patterns and animal designs directly within the weave. Each basket is made entirely by hand, making every piece one of a kind.

Traditional Wounaan baskets are woven from chunga palm fiber, a rainforest plant that is harvested and split into extremely fine strands. These fibers are dyed and then wrapped around a palm core as the basket is built coil by coil. Chunga palm is both strong and flexible, which allows artisans to create the remarkably fine and detailed weaving that Wounaan baskets are known for.

Collectors value Wounaan baskets because of their extraordinary craftsmanship and the time required to create them. A single basket can contain thousands of stitches and intricate patterns that are formed entirely by hand. Many collectors and interior designers display them as woven works of art, appreciating both the technical skill of the weaving and the cultural tradition behind the craft.

Depending on the size and complexity of the design, a basket can take several weeks or even months to complete. The artisan works slowly, forming the basket stitch by stitch. Detailed animal motifs and highly intricate patterns require even more time and precision, which is one reason these baskets are so valued by collectors.

Wounaan baskets require extraordinary time, skill, and patience to create. Each basket is woven by hand using very fine strands of chunga palm fiber gathered from the rainforest. The artisan builds the basket coil by coil, forming thousands of tiny stitches to create the pattern and shape.

Depending on the size and complexity of the design, a single basket can take weeks or even months to complete. Because of this remarkable craftsmanship and the fact that every basket is one of a kind, collectors often see Wounaan baskets as woven works of art rather than simple decorative baskets.

Each piece is handwoven over many months using natural fibers and plant-based dyes, reflecting the traditions of skilled artisans. To preserve the color and structure of your handwoven basket or woven art, display it away from direct sunlight or skylights, as prolonged UV exposure can fade natural dyes and weaken fibers over time.

In very dry climates, you may occasionally mist the inside lightly with distilled or non-chlorinated water, similar to caring for wicker or rattan. Gently blot away any excess with a paper towel to help maintain the fiber’s natural balance and long-term durability.

With proper care, artisan woven baskets made from natural materials can retain their beauty and strength for many years.

Free shipping within the continental US. Contact us for shipping outside the US at jen@woven.art, and we will offer options.

Free pre-paid returns with 14 days. Love it or return it with no obligation.


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