Use of Indigenous Crafts as a Pedagogical Strategy for the Strengthening of Cultural Identity in Fifth-Grade Students of a Rural Institution in Córdoba (Colombia)

Abstract

This paper describes a pedagogical proposal that is based on the elaboration of native handicrafts to strengthen the cultural identity of fifth grade students in a rural institution located in the Bajo Sinú region, in Córdoba (Colombia). The project is part of the Research-Action approach and uses local natural materials, such as bulrush, reed and totumo, to rescue traditional artisanal techniques that, despite their heritage and economic importance, have been lost over time. During the intervention, activities were designed in which empirical teachers from the community and students participated, integrating the processes of making artisanal products with reflections on the indigenous legacy and the possibilities of economic sustainability of these practices. The findings reflect an increase in the appreciation of local culture, the appropriation of weaving and carving techniques, as well as an improvement in the understanding of ethnic identity and regional history. It is concluded that the linking of native crafts in the classroom enhances both student motivation and the preservation of cultural memory, promoting meaningful learning and a sense of community belonging.