Nixiwaka Yawanawá Tote Bag

Illustrated by Ida Marie. Gouache and coloured pencils, 2019

Background:

An illustration inspired by the Brazilian Indian, Nixiwaka Yawanawá. I was intending to picture him with his strong gaze, but for some reason he ended up looking rather sad... Nixiwaka went to London, learned English and travelled around the UK to speak about his people's traditions and the threats that indigenous people are faced with in Brazil.

Their land is vital to their very existence and holds a very deep spiritual significance. The land is being illegally invaded and projects like dams, roads, mining and agriculture are destroying a unique way of life. Indigenous people all over Brazil are speaking out against these changes and fighting for their right to live on their ancestral lands in peace. Nixiwaka asks us to consider why a way of life that is designed to be entirely in tune with its environment and resources is being destroyed by a way of life that isn’t. He worked with the organisation Survival International, and you can read more about him here: https://www.survivalinternational.org/Nixiwaka Or watch this TedX talk: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hklt2xW2DCg

A spacious and trendy tote bag to help you carry around everything that matters. • 100% spun polyester fabric • Bag 15" x 15" (38.1cm x 38.1cm) • Capacity – 2.6 US gal (10l) • Maximum weight limit – 44lbs (20kg) • Dual handles 100% natural cotton bull denim • Handle length 11.8" (30 cm), width 1" (2.5cm)