Origin · 19th Century
The Tale of Colombia's Carriel Bags
The Carriel bag originated in 19th-century Colombia's Antioquia region, deeply tied to the nation's coffee history. Its name derives from "carry all," a testament to its ingenious design built for the lives of muleteers, merchants, and campesinos who shaped the Colombian highlands.
Traditional carriels featured 12 compartments and 5 hidden pockets, constructed from over 120 leather pieces. Their iconic tricolor trims carried meaning: red for energy, green for the mountains, yellow for joy — the colors of Colombia woven into everyday life.
Today, the Carriel is recognised as a symbol of Colombian heritage — carried by farmers, celebrated by coffee legends, and worn as a badge of national identity that transcends generations.