The Kuna People of the San Blas Islands
Posted by Travel Editor
When you visit the San Blas Islands for your vacation, you should know a bit about the people of these islands. The San Blas Islands are inhabited and controlled by the indigenous Kuna Indians. The Kuna Indians are a closely knit tribal society who have inhabited the San Blas archipelgo for thousands of years now. In fact, there are historical references which point out to their existence in the islands as far back as the 1500s when the European travelers first landed on the Americas. The Kuna Indians are believed to be the descendents of the Caribs. Most of them live in the same ways and traditions as their ancestors before them would have several thousands of years ago.
Kuna Indian society is fascinating because their society is known as a matriarchal society. What this means is that women are accorded great importance, as the line of inheritance is supposed to pass through them. Daughters, unlike the situation in patriarchal societies, are highly valued in the Kuna society since they are the ones who would ultimately bring in additional helping hands into the families.
The Kuna people who inhabit the San Blas Islands are a good example of how both the old and new can exist together. You can find modernity, co-existing peacefully with traditional culture in all the islands that make up the area. The islands themselves are controlled and governed by the Kuna Indian since a bloody revolt in the early 20th century which resulted in the Panamanian government giving the islands to them. They were allowed to continue their traditional way of life and speak their own language and have done so to this day.
The division of labor can be found in all the Kuna families. While the man of the house would typically cultivate the land, gather coconuts and produce wooden utensils, the women would prepare the food, sew the clothes for themselves and their sons, clean the house and unload the boats. The Kunas have their own traditional festivals and customs. These customs have been passed on from generation to generation in the form of ritualistic chants and dances.
The Kuna women are known for creating beautiful molas, brightly colored fabrics with images of special ceremonies, animals, plants, and geometric designs. These molas make up their national dress which is worn daily by the women. They also adorn themselves with arm and leg bands, rings in their noses and sarongs. If you are looking for a wonderful souvenir of your vacation in the San Blas islands, this is one souvenir you should buy. Molas made by the Kuna women are well crafted and spectaculary beautiful and not mass produced from some factory in China. This souvenir of your trip to the San Blas Islands will last forever.
The livelihood of the Kunas is based primarily on fishing and agriculture. A large percentage of what they produce is exported to the mainland, most especially fish, coconuts and plaintain. Their diets include a lot of fresh fish, lobster, some domestic animals, tropical fruits and coconuts. The coconuts of San Blas Islands are particularly famous. In fact, it is still sometimes used as a form of currency in many of the islands among the people, even today.
If you planning a San Blas Islands vacation, you will more than likely be staying with a Kuna Indian family or in a hotel owned by the Kuna Indians and it is good to know a few facts about the Kuna people. They are a friendly and welcoming people and will be sure to make your vacation in the San Blas Islands one you will remember forever. They will do many things to help you on your vacation from giving vacation advice, to transporting you to another of the islands in their own boat. Always remember to tip a dollar if you are going to take a photograph of a Kuna Indian.