The Nido Bag: A Symbol for Community Co-operation
In the mountains of Capira 14 families live and work together in a sustainable organic farming community. Rebecca, a native Panamanian, with a flair for color, design and fabric combinations, had studied in the United States for many years. Upon her return to Panama, a friend introduced Rebecca to the small farming community. Watching villagers work, Rebecca became inspired by their craft and the co-operative manner in which they lived and worked together.
Apart from farming, the women of the community had a skill for sewing that was born out of necessity.
Rebecca saw a desire from the women living in the mountain community to create autonomous income. Armed with her own artistic talent, and the women’s sewing ability, Rebecca began working with the women on sewing projects, introducing materials and methods the women could use to make their products marketable.
The idea for a cooperative emerged. It would come to be called Cooperativa El Nido (Nesting ground Cooperative).
By increasing the quality of fabrics and improving color combinations, Rebecca would help the women create a higher quality product that could stand on it’s own in the world of the fashion. This formula produced a highly successful project called the Nido Bag.
The Nido Bag is made with traditional Kuna molas and African wax print fabrics. The bag is a symbol of the cooperative’s vision: a marriage of indigenous art forms, women working together, and prospering from their art. The Nido Bag has been introduced to boutiques around the world, and is a sell-out favorite.
In 2010, Rebecca brought her vision to Coronado with the opening of the NIDO indie boutique. The small shop is working to foster a creative community in the Pacific Beach area. The store serves as a studio, store, and creative space where independent labels from small studios around the world can join together, support one another and grow.
Located on the beach side of the InterAmerical Highway in between Coronado and Gorgona, NIDO, the store is open Friday to Sunday. Here you will find a variety of tasteful handmade items. Jewelry, shoes, purses, dresses, art and of course the Nido Bag. All the items in the store embody the vision of the co-operative. Profits are shared with artisan communities. Art is sold on consignment.
Since the 14 families in the Capira mountains, Rebecca’s work has spread to other communities. The arrangement is arming women with group management and long term planning skills. Giving communities yet another tool to preserve their indigenous art forms.
To buy NIDO products visit them at their Coronado location Friday - Sunday, or shop online on thier facebook page. Purchased items can be picked up at locations in the city.
