WHO ARE THE KUNA INDIANS?

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

The kuna Indian culture of the Archipelago islands of San Blas, off the coast of Colombia and Panama, has continued for thousands of years and has changed little to this day.

Mola is an important symbol of Kuna culture. And the word ‘Mola’ means clothing in the Kuna language.

Mola is of such importance to the Kuna people that a rebellion was initiated when the government tried to prevent kuna women from wearing their traditional mola outfits and ultimately led to the independent status of the islands and legal recognition of their right to govern their territory autonomously.

CREATIVITY

The Kuna indians are very creative and have been described as the most striking and colourful among indigenous american communities. Mola has also been recognised in many anthropological and sociological museum collections.

KUNA WOMEN

It is a matriarchal culture where woman own property and choose who to marry. Women are the creative force and make mola that they wear and sell, and is today, the main source of income for the kuna people.

The ability to make an outstanding mola is a source of status among Kuna women.

Island tribal life

In the Islands of San Blas life goes on much as it did when Columbus sailed into the Bocas del Toro area 486 years ago, retaining many tribal customs and ceremonies.

PROTECTION OF SACRED GIANT TURTLES

One tradition includes the sacred protection of the giant turtles that lay their eggs on the shores of the Kuna beaches.

TRADITION OF ANIMALS AND NATURE

Mola designs are influenced by sea life; turtles and fish are a frequent motif.