Embera Indian Tribe in Panama's Rainforest

by Norbert Hoferichter (Canada)

I didn't expect to find Panama

Embera Indian Tribe in the Rainforest of Panama Test and Photos by Bert Hoferichter On my recent trip, I embarked on a unique adventure, visiting the rainforest of Panama and the Embera Indigenous People. A two-hour bus ride from Panama City took me to the magnificent Chagres National Park. The Embera, also know as Choco or Katio Indians, are an indigenous people of Panama and Columbia. In the Embera language, the word embera can be used, meaning person, man, or indigenous person. The River is essential to the lifestyle and tradition of the Embera tribe. It provides food and transportation to the well being of the village. Their diet centers around fish and plantains, both found plentiful in the waters. For transportation, they use dugout canoes, although today's canoes are powered by outboard motors. The Embera people have colorful, patterned clothing. Women wear skirts and often go topless. Men wear long loincloth or shorts. Jagua Tattoo is a temporary form of skin decoration used by the Embera tribe, resulting from the application of an extract of the fruit of the Jagua tree. This fruit has been used for body ornamentation and medical purposes in many areas of South America. It also prevents mosquito bites and sunburn. Traditional Embera houses are raised high on stilts and have a roof and floor, but no walls. On our arrival, we were greeted by several minimal clothed "boteros" (friend), which helped us bored the primitive dugout canoes. Getting in and out does require a little skill, but plenty of hands are available to assist. A delightful and exciting one hour voyage through the lush rainforest scenery is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your surroundings. There is plenty of wildlife such as birds toucan and playful monkeys swinging through the trees. The landing at the village was not what I expected; we were greeted by bare-breasted women and man in loincloth only. They were very friendly and welcomed us with smiles and native music. After the welcome speech by the Chief, a traditional performance of song and dance greeted us. The Villagers are friendly and welcoming, and they enjoy having their picture taking or posing for your camera. These people are incredibly creative, as seen in there exquisite handicraft, which was on sale for us. Lovingly created, these mementos will remind me of this adventure for years to come. A delightful meal is served by the younger female tribe members of BBQ fresh fish and fried plantains, all wrapped in a palm leaf. It was followed by traditional songs, music, and dance. It was a delight to take part in the dance led by the native people. It was easy to communicate with my new friends; most understood some English. The village has approx. Eighty inhabitants. It has its own grade school with a supply teacher making the long journey by dugout canoe. The teacher stays in the village for five days and returns home for the weekend. The kids, boys, and girls need to wear their mandatory uniforms to school. For higher education, the students have to attend a grade or trade school in a nearby town. As soon as school ends, off comes the uniform, and into the river, they dive for a refreshing swim. Any of the adults and young men that leave the village to find work in the nearby town or city are always welcomed back into the tribe and the village. Before we departed in our dugout canoes, we took a few last photos of our new friends. We took a group photo of the whole population of the village; it was an impressive sight. We returned to the ship with beautiful memories from a life-changing experience. In our complex and often corrupted world, it is a heart-warming feeling that people can live from the land in a straightforward, gratifying clean life.