Meet the Colombian jewelry designer Elena Matallana
The vibrant tapestry of human history is intricately woven with the threads of artistic expression and cultural identity. Pre-Columbian art, created by the indigenous peoples of the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, stands as a testament to this rich heritage. It features intricate depictions of animals, plants, celestial bodies, and supernatural beings. Many of these images were believed to possess magical or protective qualities, acting as conduits between the earthly and spiritual realms. These motifs are found upon indigenous American jewelry.
Many indigenous cultures of the Americas have rich metalworking traditions dating back millenia. Several indigenous cultures, including the Muisca, Quimbaya, Calima, Tolima, Tairona, and others, were skilled goldsmiths who created a diverse range of ornaments, religious artifacts, and ceremonial items. For instance, the Muisca community viewed gold as a connection to the sun god, believing it was forged by the sun's energy. They created gold objects to mimic the sun's work and maintain nature's balance. Gold offerings were made through the "ATA-TA" ritual, where they threw gold-filled clay pots into sacred lagoons. The Muisca community is also associated with the legend of El Dorado - The Golden One, a lost city of gold. According to the legend, during the ceremony, the Muisca leader, known as the "Zipa," would cover himself in gold dust at Lake Guatavita, near modern Bogotá. For centuries, El Dorado remained a source of fascination, and the surviving gold artwork from that era continues to captivate imaginations even today.
Elena Matallana, a talented jewelry designer who graduated from la Escuela Colombiana de Fina y Alta Joyería – EALFI, is a prime example of an artist who draws inspiration from pre-Columbian art and its enduring influence. By incorporating motifs and symbolism from ancient cultures into her modern designs, she is breathing new life into time-honored traditions. She started her brand in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic, alongside her son and photographer Daniel Matallana, as a way for them to stay closer and support each other during this challenging time. Together, they have forged a creative partnership that pays homage to the rich artistic legacy of their ancestors while also captivating contemporary audiences.
Elena Matallana's "Guardian" collection pays tribute to the people who live in Chiribiquete National Park – "The Maloca of the Jaguar," the largest protected area in Colombia and a sacred place for indigenous communities. Located in the Amazon rainforest in south-central Colombia, this remarkable park houses an astonishing array of prehistoric and Pre-Columbian artifacts. Among them are 75,000 rock pictographs found within 60 rock shelters at the base of its majestic tepui mountains. These intricate portrayals depict scenes of hunting, battles, dances, and ceremonies, all believed to be connected to a revered jaguar cult, symbolizing strength and fertility. In Elena Matallana's "Guardian" jewelry collection, the jaguar emerges as the central leitmotif, reminding us of the important role this animal plays among Colombian indigenous people.
Image by Daniel Matallana
Please take a moment to explore further information about Elena Matallana and her unique brand.
What is your definition of fashion?
Fashion is a beautiful and ever-evolving form of self-expression that not only allows you to identify with your social group, but also empowers you to stand out and create your own unique identity. Through the clothing and accessories you choose, you have the power to showcase your personality and make a positive impression on those around you. Whether you prefer to follow the latest trends or march to the beat of your own drum, fashion is a powerful tool that can help you feel confident, beautiful, and authentic. So embrace your individuality, have fun with your style, and let fashion be a celebration of your unique spirit!
How would you describe fashion in Colombia?
Fashion in Colombia is a beautiful reflection of our rich cultural heritage and diverse natural surroundings. Our unique and varied styles are inspired by the different regions of our country, each with its own climate, landscape, and traditions. From the colorful and vibrant fashion of the Caribbean coast to the cozy and chic styles of the mountainous regions, we embrace the beauty of our different weather and seasons. We use textiles such as hand-woven fabrics, and natural materials like gold and emeralds in our jewelry to reflect our love of nature.
Colombia is a major player in the global fashion industry, with a strong manufacturing sector. Our locally made fashion goods are sought after for their beauty, quality, and unique style. Some of the world's most sought-after designers, such as Johanna Ortiz and Silvia Tcherassi, are from Colombia.
By embracing and supporting our local designers and manufacturers, we can continue to showcase the beauty of our country's fashion industry. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, Colombian-made fashion goods are a true reflection of our passion, creativity, and love of beauty.
Are you interested in traditional designs or do you prefer modernity?
Personally, I like a mix of both traditional and modern designs. I believe the mix of the two creates a contemporary design that is both elegant and daring. It is the perfect combination of heritage and cutting-edge fashion.
What was the greatest lesson you ever received as the Founder and Jewelry Designer of Elena Matallana?
My greatest lesson has been to learn the powers of discipline and perseverance. By working tirelessly to create unique pieces that tell a story, I have discovered the true essence of craftsmanship. Each piece is a labor of love, infused with my passion and creativity. And when someone acquires one of my pieces and is left completely satisfied, it fills me with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Through discipline and hard work, I have discovered that the pursuit of excellence is truly its own reward.
What and who inspires you?
My inspiration comes from the rich history and natural beauty of my home country, Colombia. I am in awe of the magic, myths, and legends passed down from my ancestors, as well as the vibrant colors and stunning flora and fauna that surround us. As an artist, I strive to capture this essence in my work - I am constantly driven and inspired by the infinite possibilities for creation that exist in our world.
Why is the pre-Columbian artistic tradition important to you?
Our Colombian pre-Columbian heritage is of immense importance. It is through this heritage that our ancestors shared with us their habitat, their customs, and their mastery of metalworking and jewelry making. Their expertise in working with metals and precious stones, such as the emerald, found in various regions of our country, is something we continue to learn from to this day. We have the largest and most famous gold museum in the world, showcasing more than thirty thousand pieces of pure gold artifacts!
I am fortunate enough to live in a small town that once belonged to the Muisca culture, with the nearby Chivor emerald mines providing me with the stones I use in my designs. It is a humbling experience to think that I am building upon the knowledge and traditions passed down from our ancestors, and it is a privilege to use their techniques to create something new and beautiful.
If you could describe Elena Matallana brand in 3 words, what would they be?
Strength, nature, and identity.
How do you want women to feel when they wear your jewelry?
My style is all about empowering people through their fashion choices. I want my jewelry designs to make people feel confident and unique so that they can stand out and make a positive impact in their own way. My goal is to create a brand that represents individuality, strength, and positivity.
What is your favorite material and why?
I love gold because of its malleability, color, and shine.
What can the fashion industry do to be more sustainable?
By producing less, using better quality materials and manufacturing, pricing the items so everyone involved can be paid a fair wage, and by avoiding the fast fashion trend that creates so much overproduction and waste. Also, sustainability can be improved by changing the way we extract materials, using fewer chemicals and more natural processes. For example, in jewelry-making, natural salts can substitute acids This helps reduce the ecological impact of the materials used.
How can we change the behavior of consumers to make more conscious purchasing decisions?
By helping them see that it's better to invest in durable, long-lasting items instead of disposable ones. We should also use more organic materials instead of synthetic ones, as well as better quality materials and manufacturing processes.
How do you think fashion will change in the future?
I believe that more and more people in the fashion industry are realizing the importance of sustainable fashion. We must raise awareness among consumers that our planet is full of non-regenerating materials, and we need to stop using disposable items to help regenerate our planet. We must also help the people who work in low-cost clothing production by paying them fair wages for their work. It's great to see that people around the world are becoming more aware of their plastic usage, such as bags, straws, cups, and paper. We're definitely making progress in the right direction! But now it's time to expand that awareness to our closets and daily consumption habits. It's time to invest in high-quality, long-lasting items that won't end up in landfills after just a few uses. Let's slow down our consumption rate, be more mindful of our purchases, and create less waste. By doing so, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for all.
