Wounaan Baskets

Wounaan Baskets

The Wounaan Indians of the Darien Rainforest in Panama, we believe, are the finest basket weavers in the world. Using the Chunga palm and other plant materials, they weave utilitarian baskets, ceremonial pieces, masks, and the most beautiful and intricate basketry depicting plants and animals, fish and flowers, insects and geometric patterns.

They translate their belief in the harmony in nature by transforming organic materials into baskets. They see "spirit" and "nature" as inseparable. Their way of life is in peril for their rainforest home, the Darien, may be paved for the Pan American Highway. As the Wounaan weavers strive to produce magnificent spirit weavings and to live harmoniously within the Darien Rainforest, we strive to bring their finest work to you and their plight to global awareness.

(Click on any of the images to enlarge.)