Panama - Pacific Crossing Notes: A Sailor's Guide to the Coconut Milk Run - page 185

Generous Hosts: the Kuna
There are many beautiful cruising grounds around the globe, but this area is unique thanks
to the presence of the indigenous Kuna people. The Kuna are a folk under pressure of out-
side influences: this means you. The Congreso , their well-organized, self-governing body,
seeks to protect Kuna culture with a number of laws that you should inform yourself of.
The basics are: outsiders are forbidden to touch coconuts or pick fruit growing on the is-
lands; SCUBA diving and power-driven water sports like water skiing are banned, as is
public nudity; do not buy undersized fish, lobster, or octopus from local fishermen. The
Kuna Congreso has also banned casual trade goods, including magazines or nail polish, in-
nocent as they might seem. Rather than offering your new friends these intrusive items,
bring a supply of quilting needles and thimbles instead. This gesture will win over local
women who spend hours sewing masterful molas (exquisitely appliquéd fabric panels that
are extremely popular souvenirs) without violating cultural norms.