|
The Gran Sabana, a region of Venezuela, a place like no other on earth; wild, remote, impossibly beautiful. The highest waterfall on the planet is here and table top mountains known to the local tribes people as ‘Tepui’s’. Home to their spirits and god’s alike, an arrangement of fauna and flora is found only in this far corner of the world. It’s very mystical and magical, a special place.
Trekking across the vast Sabana plains I lost track of time. Hot dry days turned into cool starry nights. The only company I had was the endless horizon, pockets of forest and the stunning table mountains.
On one particular notable day I came to a ridge. Looking down into the creek below, surrounded by lush tropical forest, a sweet sound of Toucan’s and parrots rose up. Heading down into the creek through the forest a more impressive sound became apparent, the sound of rushing water. As I got closer to the sound, the forest opened up and was blown away by an intense visual feast amongst this tropical oasis.
Bright red Jasper rock beds, tranquil pools, a rainbow mist and raging waterfall surrounded me. There in front of me sat three people beckoning me on. Wandering over to the falls I joined them to chill out. This was my introduction to the ‘World of Pakuma’. |
 |
I first met our Pakuma logo, the shamen man symbol, that very day. He was carved into a pendant of bright red jasper strung with leather hanging beneath a smile so broad I had to smile back. I was later to marry the wearer of that broad smile.
After spending some more time in the area within the local community, I started to learn more and became inspired. I learned more about the people who had lived in these lands for so long.
The Pemon tribe, an indigenous folk, rely on there handed down skills and traditions to hunt, fish, construct housing and cultivate various fruits and vegetables. They were also great craftsman making various tools and receptacles for storing goods and belongings. They choose the very best materials from the environment and applied their skills to craft these objects. They did their intended job, were very reliable and went on working time after time.
I was inspired by the amazing workmanship and durability. So when I came to design our bags I applied what I had learnt from the Pemon. We use proven, high performance materials. We select the best quality fittings available. We make sure that each and every bag is made to the highest standards, and made to last.We make sure they are durable and practical, with some really useful details. Some of which you’ll only really appreciate when you use your bag, again and again.
We decided to base our company name PAKUMA™ on a Pemon word ‘to carry’. To remind us always of what we first set out to do, make objects that did their intended job, were very reliable and went on working time after time. Our logo also seemed fitting. It was presented to me by the wearer of that broad smile. I was told the bright red jasper would keep me in good health. As for the symbol, he would keep me safe on my travels and future adventures. It protects me to this day.
|
