Product with Purpose: Empowering Indigenous Women & Protecting the Amazon Rainforest

Thank you for supporting Indigenous artisans and the Amazon Rainforest with your purchase!

For generations, Waorani women of the Ecuadorian Amazon have woven bags, jewelry, and art from chambira palm fibers (Astrocaryum chambira), using natural dyes and ancestral techniques. Today, more than 120 women from 23 communities are part of OBATAWE, sustaining their families and resisting the pressures of extractive industries.

Through our partnership with OBATAWE, the Amazon Research & Conservation Collaborative (ARCC) is helping bring these creations to the U.S.—expanding opportunities for Indigenous businesses while connecting people directly to their stories. Every purchase strengthens sustainable livelihoods, preserves traditional knowledge, and supports alternatives to environmentally destructive practices.

The Waorani

The Waorani are an Indigenous people of the Ecuadorian Amazon, whose ancestral territory lies between the Napo and Curaray rivers. This region is among the most biodiverse places on Earth—just one hectare contains more tree species than exist in the entire United States. For generations, the Waorani have depended on this richness for food, medicine, and artisan craftsmanship.

Since the 1970s, however, their lands have been pressured by oil extraction, which has brought environmental destruction and cultural disruption. Despite these challenges, many Waorani continue to defend their forest home and safeguard their way of life, carrying forward traditions that have sustained them for centuries.

OBATAWE

OBATAWE is a bio-entrepreneurship initiative led by AOWARE—the Waorani Women’s Association of Orellana. It is a cooperative that brings together Waorani women artisans from across the Ecuadorian Amazon to share their craftsmanship with the world.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind, handmade with ancestral techniques passed down through generations—from harvesting chambira palm fibers to weaving and finishing the final product. Every material is sustainably gathered from Waorani territory, ensuring that these crafts carry not only beauty, but also the story of a living forest and culture.

The Amazon Research & Conservation Collaborative (ARCC)

The Amazon Research & Conservation Collaborative (ARCC) is a non-profit dedicated to conserving the biodiversity and cultures of western Amazonia through research, community partnerships, and communication initiatives. Our projects range from documenting traditional ecological knowledge and supporting Indigenous territorial monitoring.

As a proud partner of AOWARE, ARCC helps bring OBATAWE crafts to retailers across the U.S. This collaboration supports Waorani women in strengthening sustainable livelihoods, preserving ancestral knowledge, and promoting alternatives to environmentally destructive industries. Together, we are building connections that sustain both people and the rainforest.

FAQs

  • OBATAWE crafts are handmade by Waorani women using sustainably harvested materials from the Ecuadorian Amazon. The primary fiber is chambira palm (Astrocaryum chambira), known for its strength and durability. Artisans also use natural dyes derived from forest plants, seeds, and fruits to create vibrant colors, and occasionally incorporate forest seeds and other natural elements into jewelry and designs. Every item is crafted with ancestral techniques, making each piece both environmentally friendly and culturally meaningful.

  • We are excited to announce that an online store featuring OBATAWE products will be coming soon! In the meantime, if you’re interested in purchasing or learning more about our artisan crafts, please contact us directly. We’re happy to help connect you with these unique, handmade products while supporting Waorani women and their sustainable livelihoods.

  • There are several ways to support OBATAWE and the Waorani women artisans:

    • Follow OBATAWE on social media to stay updated on new products, stories, and initiatives.

    • Support ARCC, our nonprofit partner that helps bring OBATAWE crafts to U.S. retailers, through donations or membership.

    • Get in touch with us directly if you’re interested in purchasing products, collaborating, or learning more about the initiative.

    Every action helps strengthen sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

  • OBATAWE crafts support conservation by providing sustainable economic alternatives to environmentally destructive industries like logging, mining, and oil extraction. By purchasing these handmade products, you help Waorani women maintain their traditional livelihoods while protecting their forests and biodiversity. Additionally, the materials used—such as chambira palm fibers and natural dyes—are harvested sustainably, ensuring that both the rainforest and its cultural knowledge are preserved for future generations.

Online store coming soon!