Photo Gallery, Page 10

Sightseeing in Panama

San Blas

Bordered by the province of Colón on the west, Colombia on the east and the provinces of Panama and Darién on the south, the region primarily consists of 365 islands grouped together in the Caribbean Sea. The majority of the Kuna Indian population is concentrated in these islands.

The economy of the comarca focuses on the harvest of coconuts, which the Kunas sell mainly to Colombian ships going through the region. The coconuts are bartered for food, cloths or accessories such as sun glasses.

Kuna women preserve Kuna traditions and culture through their clothing, jewelry and beauty. Kunas embroider and wear the beautiful molas, considered to be one of the most sophisticated textile crafts in Latin America.

As a complement to their molas, Kuna women wear fabric of brilliant colors tied up to the waist, as a skirt, and a red- and yellow-patterned shawl on their heads. Additionally, they adorn themselves with gold necklaces, rings and bracelets and wrap their ankles and wrists with bracelets (winis) made of chaquiras in bright colors.

Credits: Panama Tours
Instituto Panameño de Turismo