Nilson Barinas

From a young age, Nilson Barinas of Morcá, Boyacá, showed an interest in the ancient art of coal carving. Over the past two decades, he has honed his skills and become an expert in the craft. One of his most remarkable achievements is the replicas of Muisca “torteros” found in the Archaeological Museum of Sogamoso. Working alongside his cousin, Inocencio Merchan, Nilson was entrusted to craft each “tortero” with precision, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep respect for the ancient practices that have been passed down through the generations.

As one of the few artisans still preserving these practices, Nilson is a valuable link to the cultural heritage of the region of Sugamuxi. Nilson's skills and dedication have enabled him to breathe new life into this ancient Muisca art, and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others. Through his workshops in Boyacá and Cundinamarca, he hopes to inspire a new generation of craftsmen and ensure that this ancient tradition endures for generations to come.

Each “tortero” requires over 25 minutes to create, ensuring that every cut is precise and every line is perfect. The creation of these intricate pieces would take significantly longer for anyone else attempting to create them, which is precisely why Nilson is the sole artisan still making them. However, the true challenge lies in the finishing touches, using no less than six different grains of sandpaper to achieve their polished effect.

In 2022, I searched throughout Sugamuxi for these Muisca pendants, scouring numerous shops and artisan markets without success. The following year, I was able to connect with Nilson thanks to my friend Derly's extensive network of artisans in Sugamuxi. During my visit to Nilson's workshop, he kindly demonstrated the delicate process of crafting the charm. At one point, his young daughter arrived home from school and his face lit up with joy - “hola, mi cielo!”. It was a heartwarming moment that reaffirmed the importance of Sumercé Artisans' mission - to preserve and promote traditional craft practices for future generations. In an effort to share the beauty and cultural significance of Sugamuxi with a wider audience, Sumerce Artisans will be collaborating with BookArt Bookmarks to create elastic bookmarks that tell the story of the Muisca culture.