Jai'pai – Wayuu Mochila Crossbody Bag

Jai'pai – Wayuu Mochila Crossbody BagInspiration: Acerola Cherry Cereza criolla Jaipai in Wayuunaiki Cultural significance: This sweet, drought tolerant fruit grows wild in Wayuu communities, where it is enjoyed whole or as a refreshing juice. Rich in vitamin C and valued for boosting immunity, its roots are also used medicinally, especially in treating mens prostate ailments. Acerola trees also represent an important source of income for families who sell the fruit in nearby towns.

Inspiration: Acerola Cherry / Cereza criolla / Jai’pai in Wayuunaiki

Cultural significance: This sweet, drought-tolerant fruit grows wild in Wayuu communities, where it is enjoyed whole or as a refreshing juice. Rich in vitamin C and valued for boosting immunity, its roots are also used medicinally, especially in treating men’s prostate ailments. Acerola trees also represent an important source of income for families who sell the fruit in nearby towns.

Designer: Mileida Ipuana, master weaver and mother of 6 from Jujulimana, a remote Wayuu community near Maicao in La Guajira, Colombia.

About the Collection: The Jai’pai Mochila is one of 12 original designs that were created during a Product Innovation & Cultural Design course at our Yala’yalaa School for Women’s Empowerment and exhibited at the Regenerative Runway in December 2025. 

Every mochila in the Original Designers Collection was thoughtfully developed to tell a story about Wayuu culture and life in the “ranchería“ in La Guajira, Colombia.