D'OURO VASE

The Golden Grass Artisans Association carries with it a rich history of tradition and mutual empowerment.

The association’s story begins with Mucumba Quilombola, a settlement founded by African and Afro-descended people who escaped slavery on the Brazilian coast. They started over in the Cerrado, a vast savanna in central Brasil. Local indigenous populations welcomed their new neighbors by sharing their knowledge, including the ancient craft of basket weaving made possible by the Cerrado’s abundant capim dourado, or golden grass.

Two decades ago, a group of Mucumba Quilombola’s women leaders formed the Mumbuca association with two aims: bolster their community by formalizing the creation and selling of their grass decor artifacts, and preserve the ancient craft by passing it on to future generations.

Today, the association's impact extends far beyond the craft itself. They have elevated their Afro-Indigenous traditions, improved the livelihoods of the entire community, and spearheaded discussions on the sustainability of native plants in the Cerrado region.