“Copper Spiral” — Large Werregue Plate by Plinio Opua
A radiant fusion of ancestral craft and contemporary material, Copper Spiral is a masterfully woven plate by renowned Wounaan artist Plinio Opua of Colombia. At 17 inches wide, this extraordinary piece commands attention with its subtle elegance and intricate form. The core is made from tightly coiled Werregue palm—harvested from Colombia’s Chocó rainforest—and meticulously wrapped in fine copper wire, creating a warm, reflective surface that glows in natural light.
The spiraling design speaks to traditional symbolism found in Wounaan art—echoing cycles of life, time, and connection to the land. Every coil was woven by hand over the course of approximately two months, reflecting both technical excellence and a deep reverence for process.
Copper Spiral is more than a decorative piece—it is a vessel of cultural knowledge, a celebration of material innovation, and a testament to the evolving voice of Wounaan artistry.
Details:
- Dimensions: 17" W x 4" D
- Origin: Handwoven in Colombia
- Artisan: Plinio Opua, master Wounaan weaver
- Materials: Werregue palm fiber, copper wire
- Time to Create: Approximately 2 months
- Uniqueness: One of a kind
Made from the fibers of the Werregue palm, these baskets embody a sustainable approach: young leaves are carefully harvested from the rainforest and treated to enhance their durability for weaving.
The vibrant colors are sourced from natural, local dyes—rich reds from achiote seeds, deep blacks from jagua fruit, and warm yellows from turmeric roots—resulting in a striking yet earthy palette that mirrors the surrounding ecosystem.
A group of weavers, who have been run out of their villages by drug traffickers, are now living as refugees in a new community in Bogota. These weavers have access to different materials, and have added copper wire to their designs for a new bright look. Learn more about Werregue weavers.
Stitched over many months and years from natural fibers and organic dyes, your handmade woven art should be displayed proudly, away from any windows and skylights. The ultra-violet rays of direct sun and strong light can cause the saturated natural dyes in textile and fiber art to fade, and can even damage the fibers themselves.
If your woven art resides with you in the desert or other dry environments, you may feel better occasionally misting it (as often done to wicker or rattan) inside with distilled or non-chlorinated tap water. Using a paper towel, gently pat any excess moisture from the interior.
From the most diminutive baskets, scarcely larger than a thimble, to magnificent creations spanning three feet in width, painstakingly crafted over the course of eight years, RFB proudly imports an expansive range of woven masterpieces.
In collaboration with our esteemed local partners, we undertake extensive journeys to personally engage with weavers. These voyages involve meticulous inspections of works in progress, as well as the evaluation of recently finished pieces prepared for shipment.
displaced by violence
Maintaining culture as refugees
using natural resources
colors sourced from natural, local dyes
urban and rural
