Photos

The Kuna people remain furiously autonomous, a status that was granted in the early 1920’s by the Panamanian Government. They inhabit the isolated San Blas (or Kuna) Archipelago, a group of 360 islands that make an arch parallel to the Caribbean coast of Panama, from the Canal until reaching almost the Colombian border. The Kuna people have managed to keep their ancient traditions alive, including clothing, particularly in the case of women. Kuna women play a larger role in their community than other women in many Western societies do. The woman in the photo transmits just that: self-confidence, power.