Wounaan of Panamá are an indigenous people numbering approximately 7,200 and their traditional lands comprise some of the most intact rainforest ecosystems in Panama and the Americas. For decades, Wounaan weavers have perfected their art of weaving baskets from the natural fibers and colorants of their rainforest into an important source of household income. Yet, illegal logging, agricultural encroachment and deforestation damages the plants from which the world class Wounaan baskets – hösig di – are crafted. The palms, the animals, the Wounaan way of life and the art of weaving perfected by Wounaan are all at risk of disappearing along with their forests.
This year, due to a generous donation to Native Future from Nancy Schermer, author of The Best Baskets in the World, with your donation of $100 or more to Land Rights you can receive her book. The Best Baskets in the World is a visually engaging exploration of the fine art and world-class baskets of Wounaan and Emberá weavers of Panama.
Native Future is dedicated to helping Wounaan protect, reforest and restore their rainforest ecosystems. Our work has contributed to the collective title of three Wounaan communities, which gives them the legal capacity to defend their lands from illegal logging and agricultural encroachment. Still, six Wounaan communities continue to fight for collective title to their lands, and all of them are making their best efforts to restore forests and protect their native lands from deforestation.
Learn more about the exquisite creations crafted by Wounaan master weavers in The Best Baskets in the World. Thank you for your donation and for helping them protect their forests and future.
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