Panama Travel 101: Who are the Kuna Indians?

(examiner.com) The Kuna people are an indigenous tribe who inhabit the San Blas Islands in Panama.  There are approximately 35,000 members living on around 400 small islands in the Carribean.

Kuna people speak a language called "tule".  Most also know at least some Spanish, with many quite fluent in their second language.  They live in small thatched huts.

Kuna women are best known for their colorful dress.  They wear shirts made with 'molas' - intricately appliqued panels made with layer upon layer of cloth.  They make two identical panels - one for the front of their blouse, and one for the back.  The neck and sleeves are made from another, brightly colored fabric and sewn to the molas. 

The women also wear gold nose rings and elaborate beaded decorations on their arms and legs.

The traditional diet of the Kuna people consists of fish, plantains, rice, and coconut.

Nancy Sathre-Vogel is an Examiner from Boise. You can see Nancy's articles on Nancy's Home Page.

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Original Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-6098-Boise-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d2-Panama-Travel-101--Who-are-the-Kuna-Indians
Date Retrieved: August 4, 2009.