INTRODUCTION TO PANAMA - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 7

ARTS AND CRAFTS IN PANAMA
It may not have the sprawling markets of Mexico or Guatemala, but Panama's arts and
crafts are thriving. From appliqué textiles to coiled basketry, woodcarving to mask-making,
the range of materials reflects the country's multi-ethnic make-up. Here's our pick of the
top five crafts:
Basketry and woodcarving Head for the Darién to pick up some exquisite Emberá bas-
ketry in villages such as Mogué and La Chunga , or smooth cocobolo and tagua carvings of
animals in Wounaan communities like Puerto Lara .
Straw hats Panama's hats may not be true Panama hats - they are made in Ecuador -
but some finely woven specimens are available: consider buying a sombrero pintao in La
Pintada, or an ocueño in Ocu.
Devil masks Although made for festivals around the country, the most famous mask-
makers hail from La Villa de los Santos and Chitré, their workshops stuffed full of terrify-
ing salivating dragon or gargoyle-like monsters in kaleidoscopic colours.
Molas Guna women's distinctive multicoloured, embroidered molas are transformed into
everything from cushion covers to Christmas stockings using traditional geometric designs
or modern-day icons such as Batman. Widely available everywhere in Guna Yala, you'll
just as easily trip over them on the street corners of Panama City.
Beaded necklaces Though once fashioned out of dyed pebbles, shells and bone worn by
Ngäbe and Buglé warriors, these modern-day colourful nguñunkua ( chaquira in Spanish)
still make beautiful adornments. You'll find them sold in stalls along the Interamericana
near Tolé.