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This workshop has its roots in the columbian Amazon.
In 2025, I spent a week living from a remote jungle camp alongside members of the Matsés community, learning directly from Tupa Matsés. She was a patient, disciplined teacher, insisting that every movement had purpose and that every stage of the weave mattered. What began as a lesson in basket making became a lesson in slowing down, observing carefully, and respecting both the materials and the tradition they represent.
When I asked Tupa whether she would be comfortable with me sharing this method back in the UK, her response is something I'll never forget. Her eyes lit up at the thought that a craft passed down through her family and community could be learned on the other side of the world. Not only did she give her blessing, she actively encouraged me to teach it, seeing it as a way for her heritage and culture to continue reaching new people.
That conversation is the reason this course exists.
Throughout the day you'll learn the same weaving method I was taught in the Amazon, creating your own traditional foraging basket while gaining an appreciation for the remarkable culture from which it comes. My aim isn't simply to teach you how to weave a basket, but to pass on the story, values, and respect that accompanied every lesson I received in the rainforest.
You'll leave with a handcrafted basket, a timeless practical skill, and, I hope, a deeper appreciation for the people who have generously shared this tradition with us.
Jamie Dakota – Chief Instructor
WHAT'S COVERED:
Weave your own traditional Amazonian foraging basket to take home
Throughout the day you'll learn the complete weaving process, including:
The story behind the craft: Discover why and how this traditional Matsés basketry technique is used in everyday life in the Amazon.
Natural fibre preparation: Learn about the materials traditionally used in the rainforest, how they are prepared for weaving, and how we adapt the process using suitable fibres in the UK and northern temperate zone.
Basket foundations: Build the base that gives the basket its strength, shape and longevity.
Traditional weaving techniques: Master the weaving patterns taught to Jamie Dakota by Tupa Matsés, learning the rhythm and tension that create a strong, functional basket.
Shaping and finishing: Learn how to form the basket, secure the weave, and finish it using traditional methods.
Understanding functional design: Discover why every part of the basket is woven the way it is, from carrying heavy forest produce to standing up to years of daily use.
Working with natural materials: Gain an appreciation for fibre behaviour, tension, and the subtle adjustments that make the difference between a good basket and a great one.
Respecting cultural heritage: Learn about the people behind the craft, the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, and how this workshop is taught with the blessing and encouragement of Tupa Matsés.
By the end of the day, you'll leave with your own handcrafted Amazonian foraging basket, a deeper understanding of one of the world's oldest practical crafts, and the confidence to continue developing your weaving skills at home.
DETAILS:
Course Details
Time: 10am - 4.30pm
Age: 14+ (under-18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Price: £105 per person
Venue: Private woodland on the Harewood Estate, near Harrogate – directions sent with booking.
Includes: All materials for the basket, expert tuition, hot drinks. Bring your own packed lunch and a small rucksack.
Gift option: Voucher available with 18-month validity.
Please note the terms and conditions before you book
