Handcrafted Leather Accessories and Earrings
Finest Leather, Unique Cowhide
Rooted in Colombia’s coffee heritage, the Carriel saddlebag blends timeless craftsmanship with adventurous spirit, handcrafted from unique cowhide and full-grain leather.
NEW PRODUCTS
The globally popular saddlebag has now evolved into a classic in the fashion world, with major brands introducing their unique designs. However, did you know that the earliest roots of the saddlebag trace back to the coffee regions of 19th and 20th-century in Colombia? It originated in the form of a leather bag known as the Carriel Antioqueño or Guarniel.
The name Carriel comes from the English phrase “carry all,” and it truly lives up to that promise. With its unique accordion-like design, this bag was built to hold everything the arrieros—Colombia’s muleteers—needed for their long and often tough journeys through the Andes Mountains, where roads were few and far between.
More than just a practical accessory, the Carriel became a symbol of resilience and tradition, carrying coffee, messages, and essentials across rugged landscapes. Today, the iconic image of Juan Valdez, Colombia’s famous coffee brand, features a coffee farmer wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a Carriel saddlebag—an enduring symbol that celebrates Colombia’s rich coffee heritage around the world.
The Origin of the Colombian Carriel Bags and Premium Coffee
Colombia, close to the equator, is a stretch of the northern section of the Andes Mountains. It has high-altitude valleys, ample sunlight, and fertile soil. It produces the world’s top Arabica beans and is the third-largest coffee producer in the world.
In the 19th century, Colombian coffee began to be planted on a large scale and exported to Europe and the United States. It even surpassed tobacco and leather and became the main economic pillar. To make coffee exports from fragmented small farmers more efficient, they improved old planting methods and developed new logistics. A group of merchants and muleteers collected coffee from various farms along the way. Through collaboration between the private sector and government, the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros was established in 1927. This collaboration led to the creation of the Colombian coffee brand, Juan Valdez, propelling Colombian coffee—and the iconic Carriel bags—onto the global stage.
A Great Traveling Bag － Carriel
「 Carriel is more than just a bag, it protects one's most cherished belongings 」
In a time before highways and vehicles, arrieros journeyed through Colombia’s mountains and valleys on horseback. To prepare for the unknown, they packed their carriel bags with essentials: account books, receipts, personal tokens, harmonicas, cigars, and sometimes firearms. Every item had its place—thanks to the Carriel’s intelligent pocket system.
While the traditional Carriel has 18 compartments (including secret pockets), Bomboná’s version offers 5 functional pockets for daily life. Initially exclusive to men, it was customary not to reveal the bag’s secret compartments to women—underscoring the Carriel’s role as both a practical and personal item.
Top Leather Producing Area – Nariño Region
In Colombia’s south, near the Ecuadorian border, the Nariño region is known for both premium coffee and top-grade leather. Its high altitude and stable equatorial climate produce exceptional Arabica beans with unique flavor profiles. But Nariño is also a leader in leather craftsmanship—earning it the nickname “Little Italy” for its excellence in leatherwork.
Bomboná sources all its leather from Nariño. We use only full-grain leather and premium cowhide, preserving each material’s natural beauty and durability. This commitment ensures every handmade leather saddle bag is both elegant and long-lasting.
Carriel is more than just a leather bag, it protects one's most cherished belongings
Bomboná Colombia
The Colombian Saddlebag – Reimagined
Our mission is to breathe new life into the century-old Carriel coffee saddlebag, reimagining it with a fresh modern look tailored for contemporary women. Each leather bag is meticulously handcrafted by traditional Colombian artisans. The leather dust bags are produced in collaboration with a single mothers’ association in Bogotá. We aim not only to share Colombian culture but to preserve traditional craftsmanship and support local communities. With every purchase, you help artisan families and single mothers in Colombia thrive.
Cowhide Carriel
Handcrafted using premium cowhide paired with full-grain leather, this Carriel honors Colombia’s rich heritage while offering durability and timeless style.
Pure Leather Carriel
Meticulously handcrafted from the finest full-grain leather, our Pure Leather Carriel captures the essence of Colombian craftsmanship, leather aroma, and timeless design.
Triade Pouches
Elevate your daily essentials with our signature trio of full-grain leather pouches—designed to complement any saddle crossbody bag with timeless style and practical elegance.
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