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The Guna

by Melissa Johnson-Peters

Panama

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The Guna people are a proudly independent indigenous group, who live in an autonomous region between Panama and Colombia. They live in houses of bamboo or cane, with thatched roofs of palm fronds. Cooking techniques are traditional, with fish and seafood cooked over open fires.
The Guna people are a proudly independent indigenous group, who live in an autonomous region between Panama and Colombia. They live in houses of bamboo or cane, with thatched roofs of palm fronds. Cooking techniques are traditional, with fish and seafood cooked over open fires.
Along with fishing, coconuts are one of the key agricultural exports of the islands. The Guna people have a strong mercantile history, and it is this self-determination which has helped them to function as economically independent and retain their cultural traditions.
Along with fishing, coconuts are one of the key agricultural exports of the islands. The Guna people have a strong mercantile history, and it is this self-determination which has helped them to function as economically independent and retain their cultural traditions.
The mola, or traditional dress of the Guna women, is distinctive for its bright colours and geometric designs. Increasingly, fabrics have become another key export for the community and for some families this is the only source of income.
The mola, or traditional dress of the Guna women, is distinctive for its bright colours and geometric designs. Increasingly, fabrics have become another key export for the community and for some families this is the only source of income.
A matrilineal society operates in Guna culture, where a man enters his wife's household after marriage. Women own their own possessions and often take a leading role in trading activities.
A matrilineal society operates in Guna culture, where a man enters his wife's household after marriage. Women own their own possessions and often take a leading role in trading activities.
The Guna are excellent sailors and crucial to their survival is their relationship with the sea. These cayuncas are made from a single hollowed-out tree trunk and are used to navigate between the islands and for fishing.
The Guna are excellent sailors and crucial to their survival is their relationship with the sea. These cayuncas are made from a single hollowed-out tree trunk and are used to navigate between the islands and for fishing.

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