About Madre Monte
The Mission
When you shop with Madre Monte, you're doing more than just buying a one-of-a-kind handmade item.
You are supporting local artisans, as they work to conserve and celebrate their heritage. These pieces are made from responsibly sourced materials, and your purchase helps to honor the environment, one beautiful piece at a time.
The Beginning
My name is Erin, and Madre Monte wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t met Santiago so many years ago. After meeting in 2000, I stayed with his family every summer break and he would stay with mine every Christmas. We eventually got married and lived in Colombia, before moving to Italy and later to the United States.
The seeds for Madre Monte were planted when I saw the inventive craftsmanship of Colombian artesanías. From the raw materials I had never seen used before - like tagua and coconut - to the traditional techniques to process them to their final result all seemed like of thing of magical realism to me. It still does.
My hope is that Madre Monte can transport some of this wonder and magic into your life.
The Myth
Madre Monte, our namesake, is the fierce defender of the Colombian wilderness.
She’s infamous for unleashing torrential storms and flooding, as well as fatal spells upon those who mistreat the land and animals.
But as is often the case in Colombia, there is a more wondrous story to be told. Madre Monte bejewels herself in nature’s creations to pay tribute to the vibrant life that surrounds her.
In celebration of the natural wonders of Colombia, we showcase a curated collection of handmade artesanías and tell the stories of the artists and techniques behind them.
