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Description
Two Wayuu women in Guajira, Colombia, standing outdoor next to a large weaved craft item. The women are wearing traditional ankle-length clothing, worn to protect them from the extremely hot desert temperatures in the regions they reside. La Guajira is a department (similar to what would be identified as a state) in the northeast region of Colombia. It occupies an area bordered by Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea. Riohacha is the capital of La Guajira. La Guajira is known for its deserts, Caribbean coastal regions, sand dunes, fishing villages and its indigenous people (such as the Wayuu people). A significant portion of the population in La Guajira consists of indigenous people. One of the largest and most notable indigenous group is the Wayuu people. They occupy a desert peninsula (Guajira Peninsula) in the northernmost part of South America near the borders of Venezuela and Colombia. They live in arid regions and are known for their abilities to survive hostile environmental conditions. The Wayuu people were undefeated by the Spanish and have fought to keep their traditions contained within their communities. They live in huts with roofs made from palm leaves or cactus and walls from mud and other natural sources. The women often engage in crafting, weaving and are known for crocheting handbags (mochilas) and hammocks for sleeping. Dos mujeres wayú en Guajira, Colombia, de pie al aire libre junto a un gran objeto de artesanía tejida. Las mujeres visten ropa tradicional hasta los tobillos, que se usa para protegerlas de las temperaturas extremadamente calientes del desierto en las regiones donde residen. La Guajira es un departamento (similar al que se identificaría como un estado) en la región noreste de Colombia. Ocupa una zona bordeada por Venezuela y el Mar Caribe. Riohacha es la capital de La Guajira. La Guajira es conocida por sus desiertos, regiones costeras del Caribe, dunas de arena, pueblos pesqueros y sus pueblos indígenas (especialmente el pueblo wayú). Una porción significativa de la población en La Guajira consiste en pueblos indígenas. Uno de los grupos indígenas más grandes y notables es el pueblo wayú. Ocupan una península desértica (Península de Guajira) en la parte más septentrional de América del Sur, cerca de las fronteras de Venezuela y Colombia. Viven en regiones áridas y son conocidos por sus habilidades para sobrevivir a las condiciones ambientales hostiles. el pueblo wayú fue invicto por los españoles y ha luchado para mantener sus tradiciones contenidas en sus comunidades. Viven en chozas con techos hechos de hojas de palma o cactus y paredes de barro y otras fuentes naturales. Las mujeres a menudo se dedican a la elaboración, tejer y son conocidas por elaborar bolsos de mano (mochilas) y hamacas para dormir.
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