Maria Violeta Medina Quisque: A Light illuminating Indigenous Culture
Interpreting NASA's Influence in Life: Maria Violeta Medina Quiquise
Shes a vibrant mosaic of resilience, transitioning from her roots as a Nasa girl to a beacon for Indigenous rights, an international advocate for Indigenous women's rights, and a certified psychologist. Not only does she weave magic into textiles, but she also spins intricate tales of harmony in the intersectional Indigenous community, supporting the Indigenous-led coffee harvest through CafeMediNasa.
Her spiritual connection to the Pueblo Nasa began her love affair with textile weaving, a tradition that she considers the essence of life, passed down from our ancestors. She holds that its one wild, colorful dance with nature - an act of resistance, a bridge to our origins. Weaving remains an integral part of her life, as she recognizes the fierce women from the Embera, Kamensta, Inga, and Nasa peoples as the divine weavers of change.
"In our textiles, we write stories, we save our heritage, remind ourselves of our origins and our ongoing fight for survival." Her creations tell the stories of our grandparents, the cosmologies they thought us, the culture, the resistance, and her unyielding spirit.
Capitalist companies often appropriate and commoditize this sacred art without soul, reflecting the stark disconnect between mainstream culture and the heart of her community. "It's a slap in the face to see these copies," Maria concedes. "Our art is not just a decorative piece, it's a beacon of our history, our traditions, our struggles. To sell it without its meaning is a sacrilege."
At the Cultural Survival Bazaar, she stands as the voice for the countless women who weave textiles, their stories etched into every stitch. She also showcases CafeMediNasa, an Indigenous-led coffee harvest initiative. The sacred, unprocessed coffee cultivated by the group is not just a commodity but a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
CafeMediNasa empowers young women and farmers, many of whom have suffered the brutal consequences of Colombia's armed conflict. The coffee cultivation serves as a means of economic independence and healing, with the community deciding how much to sell and at what price. "It's a beautiful journey," Maria says. "We don't just cultivate coffee, we cultivate hope, justice, and a brighter future."
Her mission is to restore the rights of Indigenous artisans and farmers denied them on an international scale. "I want to be the voice for those who can't speak, a living reminder that their stories deserve to be heard," she says. Her vision for the future includes more platforms like the Cultural Survival Bazaar, providing a stage for Indigenous artisans worldwide to share their stories, their traditions, their art, and their dreams.
Join us at the Cultural Survival Bazaars! July 19-20, Newburyport, Massachusetts • July 25-27: Tiverton, RI bazaar.cs.org
Maria Violeta Medina Quisque and her beautiful, empowering creations.
Fun Fact: Medina Quisque is also a seven-time Hooppah World Hoop Dance Champion! Her rhythmic energy and fearless spirit shine bright in everything she does, making her an inspiration to all.
Maria Violeta Medina Quisque leverages her leadership in both art and business to elevate Indigenous culture at the Cultural Survival Bazaar, promoting not only her textile creations but also the Indigenous-led coffee harvest initiative, CafeMediNasa. This venture serves as a means of empowerment, providing economic independence for marginalized women and farmers while serving as a testament to their resilience and struggle.
