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UG

Ulrich Gall

408 discoveries

The Leather Craft of Jericó

The art of traditional leatherworking is the beating heart of Jericó, a town often considered the most beautiful in the department of Antioquia. The sign reading "Talabartería Jericó" identifies this as a saddlery and harness shop, where a master "fabricante" or manufacturer like Luis H. Jaramillo continues a legacy that has defined this region for generations. Jericó is the birthplace of the *carriel*, the iconic side-slung leather bag worn by the *Paisa* muleteers who settled these rugged mountains. While the carriel is the town's most famous export, the skills required to make them are the same ones used here for equestrian gear. The large leather piece hanging on the security bars is a testament to the local "Chalanería" culture—the refined Colombian art of horsemanship. Unlike the heavy western saddles found in North America, these local saddles are designed for the "Paso Fino" horses, known for their smooth, rhythmic gait. Inside a "Talabartería," you are smelling history. The process begins with raw hides that are tanned and then meticulously hand-tooled, stitched, and finished. If you peek into the shadows of the workshop, you’ll likely see rolls of leather and heavy-duty sewing machines, but much of the fine detail work is still done by hand with awls and needles. The presence of such shops in the middle of a modern town might seem unusual to a visitor, but in the coffee-growing heartland of Colombia, horses remain both a practical tool for farmers in the steep mountains and a major status symbol. A shop like Luis Jaramillo’s isn't just a retail space; it’s a craft hub where the identity of the Antioquian muleteer is kept alive, one stitch at a time.