Embera

Panama is a land rich with culture that predates the arrival of the Europeans (who subsequently brought much destruction). In Panama there area about a half a dozen native tribes who are doing their best to maintain their culture in a world that is changing beyond rapidly.

One of those tribes is the Embera. A group of warm, colorful peoples, who make their homes along the rivers and waterways in the jungle areas of Panama. They fish in the waterways where they make their villages and hunt in the rain forest. Starting in more recent times, they farm the land, eating plantain, cassava and other foods. They utilize the resources in the natural world to make instruments and to derive colors to tie baskets and to pain their bodies. They still rely on shaman and natural remedies for ails to body and mind.

I knew that while in Panama, I wanted to take the girls to visit some of the cultures that lived closer to the earth. I wanted them to get up close to those that lived more like the old ways as well as see a very different way of living. Amara and Havana's lives are vastly different from the Embera;  they are are privileged western children,. Yet, the western world is very poor when it some to certain areas of life. The Embera may not have the same material comforts as my girls do. but they are equally rich. This is in part due to their relationship to the natural world as well as their deep sense of community and their understanding of the world on a a deeper, spiritual level.

Personally, I was very moved during our visit with the Embera. Through our translator, I asked many questions. At one point, I was told I was asking questions "like an anthropologist." I replied that I was curious how they shared their stories; How their history was passed down. My answer was," that much was lost due to those who invaded" from Europe too many moons ago. Upon hearing that reply, I looked at my host, straight in the eyes, my own filled with tears and through my translator told him, "I am sorry for all that you lost through colonism and imperialism." His gaze, full of emotion as well, met mine for a minute. He shook his head and in that moment, we connected deeply. Despite our language differences, our hearts knew no barriers. 

After we learned the history, we were given a tour of their small but comfortable village and then took a short walk in the jungle where were where shown what different trees and vines provided. We also tried some fruits that we quite yummy.
The highlight for the girls may have not been the Embera though. One family had adopted an orphaned Capuchin monkey that we got to hold.

Well, that is not totally true. The girls loved the dancing and they were tickled when their father danced with the women. When we were ready to leave, they got temporary tattoos, made from vines, which they proudly displayed during the remainder of our adventures in Panama.

I trust that our time with the Embera was both enlightening and educational and that the things we experienced planted seeds that will take root and blossom over the course of both their lives. For this is why we travel. Open hearts equal open minds equal open, loving, and meaningful lives.

We were offered fish and plantain to eat. Even Havana enjoyed it!

Our host

The leader of the village. I found her just exquisite; physically and mentally.

Traditional boat used for fishing.