From Utilitarian to World Class
Learn About Wounaan & Embera Woven Art
Many times in nature, our surroundings are so beautiful that they are, in themselves, true examples of art— Wounaan and Embera woven baskets and masks are certainly no exception.
Handmade by the rural Wounaan tribe, the vibrant and intricate woven baskets and masks are the result of ancient weaving traditions passed through generations of the indigenous peoples of the Darién rainforest.
Popular for their unique artistry and careful technique, the baskets and masks have gained international fame for their intricacy and design
Originally designed purely for practical endeavors of storage or transportation, the Rainforest Baskets, today, have evolved into revered works of art.
Gaining their inspiration from the nature that surrounds them and the geometric patterns of pre-Colombian body painting, the talented women who weave them often incorporate ancient Colombian pottery designs and pictures of the exotic plant and animal life found in the Darién rainforest into their creations.
Using needles to sew only the supplest of fibers from the native Werregue palm (also called Chunga) and Naguala palms, each basket can take months, or even years, to complete. Masks can take from five days to six months for the largest, 3 foot tall renditions. The pieces reflect an impressive range of colors, stemming from the natural hues of local seeds, roots, berries, fruits, flowers, leaves and other native flora.
Recognizing the unparalleled value of the artistry of this remote region, we work exclusively with master weavers in a traditional, working patron relationship. Bringing global attention to this otherwise distant community, we promote their work full-time, offering stability and growth to those who have excelled in their craft.
By focusing our efforts on these two small tribes, we strive to support the often unappreciated skills of these truly talented artists, to ultimately provide you with only the most authentic pieces – direct from the source.
Wounaan Rainforest Baskets: Spirit Weavers
While the original functions of early Hösig Di (term for Wounaan baskets) are still a mystery, they were believed to be used as storage vessels for large quantities of water, precious stones, matches and small treasures.
The Wounaan and Emberá Indians who “weave” Hösig Di were once called “Choco,” after the province in which they lived. Regarded today for their intricate design more than their function, this craft is still passed down from mother to daughter in these indigenous tribes—and are primarily handmade in the remote villages of the Darién rainforest.
Prior to 1982, weavers of Hösig Di incorporated little to no décor – most baskets were a plain, off-white color, the color of sun-bleached palm materials. This all changed with a few very important influencers who lived near and among the Wounaan. Ron Binder, a professor studying Chocó language groups with the Summer Institute of Linguistics, and Ellie Gale, an important collector who worked with members of the Panama Canal, both encouraged these talented women to incorporate aspects of their cultural history. Through their efforts the weavers were encouraged incorporate designs – like geometric patterns from ceremonies and ancient artifacts, as well as native flora and fauna of the Darién rainforest—onto the baskets they created.
Emberá Woven Masks
From Ritual Masks to Artistic Expression
Emberá shamans, known as jaibaná, incorporate various figures and visages into their healing and cleansing ceremonies. These woven masks and animal representations encircle the hut where curative rituals unfold, serving to dispel the malevolent spirits believed to be the source of illness or misfortune. This tradition of mask usage is akin to the concept of ‘smudging,’ which involves burning herbal bundles to purify a living space.
In contemporary times, these masks have evolved into purely decorative pieces. Each creation reflects the personal style of the weaver. Some masks boast vibrant, striking colors, while others emphasize natural, earthy tones. The weavers we collaborate with select their artistic direction, with some excelling in crafting specific series of animals and others focusing on intricate details like textured hair and woven teeth.
Where our weavers are located
Darien Rainforest, Panama
Crossroads of the World
Functioning as a “bridge” between North and South America, Panamá is often referred to as the “Crossroads of the World.” Stretching anywhere from 30 to 130 miles in width, today, this flourishing country welcomes visitors from across the globe, as well as 12,000 ships, through the famous canal that bears its name.