YANAPUMA MISSION
I’m Megan Schoenbachler, visionary behind and steward of Yanapuma and its humble mission. I welcome you to take the journey, along with myself and the entire Yanapuma family to support the reclamation and preservation of hand crafted, artisanal objects of wild beauty…
From my first visit to South America, I sensed this was home. From the magic of the jungle, to the grandeur of the Sacred Valley, my spirit was deeply rooted in this land. Throughout the years this calling did not fade, and I found myself diving deeper into the wisdom of the tribes of the Amazon. Their medicine, art and deep synchronistic connection to the plants and animals of the forest calls me. Having spent most of my life behind the lens of a camera, I have always been deeply connected to the faces of the indigenous...
When the vision behind Yanapuma came to me, it was more like an instruction from Spirit. Yanapuma, an arcana of protection is the mystical black jaguar of the Amazon… the connector between the earth and sky. The shop was a vision, in which I was a connector and from there Yanapuma was born…
The concept of Yanapuma was founded to support the survival of sublime arts and practical wares from Indigenous artists of South America. Since it’s conception, the vision of Yanapuma has evolved to connect the wider web of artisans who also create with integrity, sustainability and in the sacred way of our ancestors. Presently, we trade with artists from around the world, who hear the calling of their Indigenous roots. Working by hand with natural materials, and the light of the sun...they make art that tell stories. For generations these traditions and techniques have been handed down from the elders...
Holding reverence to all of life, our dream is to support our indigenous brothers and sisters, the artists and the tribes who keep sacred the wisdom of the craft. For us at Yanapuma, this is a time to remember that life is about connecting. Through the telling of our individual and collective stories, we are so grateful to be on this mission. It’s a blessing to be surrounded by incredible artisans who have been so gracious to share with us, inspire us. Therefore, we are committed to this path of working intimately with Indigenous peoples and the artisans who are some of our greatest teachers.
TAKE ACTION
We are so pleased to introduce our most recent Amazonian action partner, the Boa Foundation!
Since 2015 the Boa Foundation has been growing, along with its founders, the common vision we all share: to learn from indigenous people how to live in harmony with nature, to build alliances, support the preservation of sovereign cultures, and amplify their message so our world can also re-learn what we simply seem to have forgotten.
Today the Boa Foundation has forged alliances with over 40 indigenous elders from all over the world and together with our support actively participate in the transformation of the planet.
By working in alliance with indigenous communities we aim to preserve and protect sacred land, culture, and ancient wisdom through projects including strategic land buybacks, restoration of native ecosystems, cultural exchange, and sustainable living solutions.
Won’t you join us in taking action for the Amazon!