The Embera (historically known as the Chocó) are one of the most iconic indigenous peoples of Central and South America, primarily settled in the Darién rainforests (Panama) and the Chocó region (Colombia).
Water as a Focal Point: They are a "fluvial" people. Their lives revolve around rivers, which they use as transport routes with hand-carved dugout canoes (piraguas).
Body Painting: They use the jagua fruit to draw complex geometric designs on their skin. These temporary tattoos serve aesthetic, protective, and ritual purposes.
Housing: They live in tambos, wooden houses raised on stilts with palm-leaf roofs, designed to avoid flooding and keep animals out.
Chunga Basketry: Woven palm fibers so fine they can even be waterproof.
Tagua and Cocobolo Carving: Detailed sculptures made from "vegetable ivory" (tagua seed) or precious tropical wood.
Current Situation
Photo Gallery: © Emili Bayona / Panama 2017
Extended info about Embera people