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Photographer’s Note

Taking an afternoon nap,sold enough Molas today.

Kuna or Cuna is the name of an indigenous people of Panama and Colombia. The spelling. In the Kuna language, the name is Dule or Tule, meaning "people." The name of the language in Kuna is Dulegaya, meaning "people's language."

The Kuna are often mistakenly identified as being related to the extinct Cundara people. They have some of the same traditions but have a totally different background.

The Kuna live in three politically autonomous comarcas or reservations in Panama, and in a few small villages in Colombia. There are also communities of Kuna people in Panama City, Colón, and other cities. The greatest number of Kuna people live on small islands in the comarca of Kuna Yala. The other two Kuna comarcas in Panama are Kuna de Madugandí and Kuna de Wargandí.

In Kuna Yala, each community has its own political organization, led by a Sahila (pronounced "sai-lah"). The Sahila is traditionally both the political and spiritual leader of the community; he memorizes songs which relate the sacred history of the people, and in turn transmits them to the people. Decisions are made in meetings held in the Onmaket Nega (Congress House or Casa de Congreso), a structure which likewise serves both political and spiritual purposes. It is in the Onmaket Nega that the Sahila sings the history, legends and laws of the Kuna, as well as administering the day-to-day political and social affairs. The Sahila is usually accompanied by one or more voceros who function as interpreters and counsellors for the Sahila. Because the songs and oral history of the Kuna are in a more traditional dialect, the Sahila's recitation will frequently be followed by an explanation and interpretation from one of the voceros in either their island's dialect or Spanish.

Today there are 49 communities in Kuna Yala.{{Fact} The region as a whole is governed by the Kuna General Congress, which is led by three Sahila Dummagan.

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Photo Information
  • Copyright: KIRIL SVRAKOV (KSVRAKOV) Silver Note Writer [C: 0 W: 0 N: 38] (243)
  • Genre: People
  • Medium: Color
  • Date Taken: 2008-05-23
  • Categories: Daily Life
  • Exposure: f/4, 1/20 seconds
  • More Photo Info: view
  • Photo Version: Original Version
  • Date Submitted: 2008-07-09 6:49
Viewed: 1707
Points: 2
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Additional Photos by KIRIL SVRAKOV (KSVRAKOV) Silver Note Writer [C: 0 W: 0 N: 38] (243)
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