Una
In Una, the villagers make their own paper from a special type of grass that grows abundantly in the valley. This grass, with its long, slender blades and vibrant green hue, is carefully harvested by hand during the summer months. The villagers gather in the fields, singing traditional songs as they work together to collect the grass, ensuring that they leave enough behind to replenish the land.
Once the grass is gathered, it is brought to a communal workshop where the villagers begin the process of making handmade paper. The grass is soaked in water to soften it before being beaten into pulp using wooden mallets. This pulp is then poured onto screens and left to dry in the sun, resulting in sheets of paper that bear the natural texture and color of the grass.
The handmade paper of Una is not only beautiful but also holds great significance to the villagers. It is used for everything from writing letters and keeping records to creating intricate artwork that depicts scenes from their daily lives and the surrounding landscape. Each sheet of paper tells a story, a testament to the community's connection to the land and their commitment to preserving their way of life.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of life in Una is the community's resistance to capitalism. While they understand the value of trade and exchange, the villagers of Una place greater importance on cooperation and communal ownership. They reject the notion of wealth and accumulation, instead focusing on the well-being of their community as a whole.
In Una, there are no markets or merchants selling goods for profit. Instead, villagers trade goods and services freely, relying on a system of reciprocity and mutual support. Each member of the community plays a vital role, whether it be tending to the fields, caring for the animals, or crafting handmade paper.
As the seasons pass and the outside world continues to change, the villagers of Una remain steadfast in their commitment to their way of life. They understand that true wealth could not be measured in material possessions but in the strength of their bonds and the richness of their traditions.