Dina's Craft in Killa Natural: Tradition, Family, and Sustainability in the Peruvian Amazon

In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, the village of Lo Malinda is home to a rich tradition of craftsmanship, kept alive by the Yanesha tribe. Among these artisans is Dina, a dedicated craftswoman who seamlessly blends her cultural heritage with sustainable practices. Dina's journey and daily life reflect the deep connection between her craft, her family, and the natural environment that inspires her.

Dina was born and raised in the village of Lomalinda, where she grew up surrounded by the vibrant traditions of her Yanesha tribe.

"My aunt taught me to dye and weave to create our native clothing—Kushmas—for both men and women," Dina recalls.

This early exposure to natural dyeing techniques sparked Dina's lifelong passion for working with different fabrics, natural colors, and eco-printing.

Dina's involvement with Killa Natural began through her tribe's artisan organization, Wamprat. The leader of Wamprat connected the artisans with Killa, leading to a fruitful collaboration. Although the organization has since become more separated, Killa continues to work closely with individual artisans like Dina. "Killa taught us botanical dyeing and have come to our town to learn from us and teach us," Dina says. She appreciates how Killa treats them and loves working with them, as they help turn her dyed fabrics into beautiful clothing sold worldwide.

The daily life for Dina is a blend of household chores and artisan work. Living with her husband, granddaughter, and older sons, Dina's family is a supportive unit that enables her to focus on her passion. "There’s five of us in the family," Dina explains. "My husband and I work making fabrics, ornaments, and wood carvings. My granddaughter is studying and also helps with the designs sometimes." Despite the challenges posed by rain and other obstacles, Dina's family works in coordination, allowing her to manage her time effectively and dedicate herself to her craft.

The natural environment of the jungle is the root of Dina's work. Everything she creates is inspired by and made from the resources available around her. "To me, doing reforestation is very important so that our crafts aren’t lost to future generations," Dina emphasizes. This commitment to sustainability is evident in her practices, as she continually plants trees in her village to ensure the longevity of her craft.

Dina's repertoire includes dyeing fabrics, making baskets and accessories, and sewing purses and bags. "My aunt taught me to dye our own fabrics using the bark of Payon (tree) and leaves of Yetseñor (a plant that creates purple dye)," Dina explains. "My mom taught me how to dye cotton and to do threading. I also work with beads, using Muerish and Chiyuski seeds." Each piece she creates is a testament to the skills passed down through generations of Yanesha artisans.

Working with Killa Natural has had a transformative impact on Dina and her family. "We are making more progress, something we weren’t able to do before. Killa comes with volunteers from different parts of the world to help us increase our sales," Dina says.  This partnership has opened new markets for the Yanesha community, allowing them to sell their crafts beyond the jungle and reach audiences in Lima and internationally.

Looking ahead, Dina hopes that Killa and other organizations will continue to support the Yanesha community, helping more artisans thrive. "My main dream is for all the Yanesha communities and other indigenous groups to be supported, known, and helped so that they can also thrive with us," she says. Dina envisions a future where her story and the sustainable practices of her tribe are known worldwide, allowing their culture to expand and flourish.

For Dina, the greatest joy of being an artisan with Killa Natural is the freedom it provides.

"I can do my work wherever creativity sparks, whether it’s at home or at the organization for work," she says.

She loves being creative, showcasing her identity through her artwork, and connecting with people from different parts of the world.

Dina encourages people to support her and Killa Natural by attending fairs, valuing their sustainable products, and promoting them to others.

"The best way for people to support us is not just to buy our products but also to promote them," she emphasizes.

Additionally, she highlights the need for more machines to create products more efficiently and innovate further.

Dina's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the Yanesha artisans. Through her work with Killa Natural, she continues to preserve her cultural heritage, support her family, and promote sustainability, ensuring that the spirit of craftsmanship is passed down to future generations.