Close up of Macrame details on Mulata de Puerto Tejada's Kerchief

Knots have been part of humankind history since its inception, advancing with new techniques all around the world; Macrame been one of these, originating from the Middle East, this laborious technique doesn’t use any machinery, but a hands-on process of tying knots from horizontal strings dangling from a bland base that keep the string straight.

It is said that the origins of the Municipality of Puerto Tejada goes back to the late XVII Century, from a settlement of runaway slaves from the Cauca river, forming the settlement known as Monte Oscuro, which became hub for trading in the region, and with trade came mix racing with Spanish and Indigenous people from the area; still a lot of cultural expression of Puerto Tejada retained its African origins, especially in dances and celebrations.

The dress was used by a Mulata (mix person of African and European descent) for weddings, with a wide pink skirt and white stamping design, in the top the bride would use a white blouse with lace details and wrapped around her shoulder a black kerchief with purple borders.