The comarca of Kuna Yala(San Blas) stretching from the Gulf of Kuna Yala eastward to the Colombian border, and is comprised of over 360 distinct islands and a relatively thin stretch of mainland that runs along the Atlantic coast.
Most of the Kuna Indians live on the mainland near river mouths, or on the islands, of which only 40 +/- are inhabited. Formerly of Colombia, the Kunas have inhabited this region of Panama for hundreds of years, and were, in fact, there to greet the first European explorers to discover the Americas in the early 1500's. Despite relentless pressure and persuasion by various European explorers, and later the Panamanian government, to adopt a more westernized lifestyle, the Kunas have, for the most part, succeeded in preserving their culture and distinct way of life. While Kuna history recognizes 4 distinct revolutions, it was the fourth, celebrated in February, 1925, that lead to the creation of the current Comarca. Since then, the Kunas have enjoyed self rule.
Upon arriving the Kunas settled mostly along the coast, where raw materials were abundant and accessible. However, due to malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases, they found themselves seeking shelter on the small islands that dot the coastline. Still dependent on the mainland for its natural resources, frequent trips to the mainland were made in search of food, water, wood, and other necessary materials; limited, somewhat, by the size of their dugout canoe. Now that the tropical diseases have been eradicated, there is a growing number of Kunas settling on the mainland, or at least on the islands closest to the mainland, rather than on the islands themselves. Once admired for their isolation and protection, the islands, due to their lack of natural resources, are becoming a less desirable able option. This is particularly true for the islands situated furthest away from the mainland, most of which remain uninhabited today.
A quite, reserved, hospitable people, the Kuna's are overtly proud of their culture and traditional, simple way of life. Transportation from island to island, or even to the mainland, is usually accomplished by hand carved dugout canoes, often aided by large sheets that serve as sails. Under the hot, tropical sun, hours can be spent traveling from one island to another. Women spend a large portion of their day performing daily chores, which often includes knitting colorful molas to sell to visiting tourists. The men pass the time fishing, tending to cocoa trees, gathering needed material, and performing other routine tasks. All in all, Kunas are an accommodating, loving people, and appear determined to keep their subsistence lifestyle intact. This in spite of numerous external forces that, over time, have had a dramatic impact on Kuna life.
Perhaps the most significant of these was the introduction of air travel to and from the Comarca. Once an isolated archipelago, Kuna Yala now enjoys daily service to any one of its 10-15 airstrips that reside along the Atlantic coast. Improved accessibility has brought with it the introduction of western influences, and too, has afforded Kunas the ability to visit Panama City and other areas of the country. This has had a direct and dramatic impact of daily life in Kuna Yala. Kunas, like the rest of us, have taken a liking to jewelry, walkmans, clothing, etc. On some of the more populated islands like Porvenir and Cartí, it's not uncommon to see youth wearing sneakers, baseball caps, shorts and t-shirts. This, in fact, is the norm not the exception. Traditional dress is somewhat limited to the elder women, as most men exhibit almost no traditional dress at all.
Other western influences are clearly noticeable on the more inhabited islands. Tin roofs are replacing thatched roofs. New governmental buildings and schools are constructed of cement not wood, as are piers. Outboard marine motors are replacing paddles and sails. The impact is undeniable, and irreversible. Many of the elderly are overtly concerned about the changes that have taken place over the last 2-3 decades. Many of the outer island, however, have managed to preserve the traditional lifestyle so often associated with Kuna Indians.
Most visitors to the region start their journey in Porvenir, which is situated at the western most part of the Comarca. There are numerous islands in the area, many of which have hotels that cater to budget and upscale travelers. Many of these hotels are not listed or even advertised, but operate by word of mouth. Most offer simple packages, which includes meals and one local tour per day to neighboring islands. There are numerous other hotels further east along the coast, however, one would have to coordinate travel to those areas. Daily flights from Panama City to Kuna Yala depart 7 days a week and normally depart early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m. There is only one flight per day.
Interesting Facts/Notes: - The Kuna Museum, located just off the waters edge on the island of Cartí, is open to the public. While most of the items in the museum (paintings, carvings, pottery) have bilingual descriptive notes displayed below them, a 15-20 guided tour of the museum is offered and included in the cost of admission ($2.00). The museum offers visitors a in depth look into the Kuna Indians culture, religion, and history, and is a worthwhile visit for anybody visiting the area.
Colorful and intricately sewn, molas are an important part of the traditional dress of the Kuna woman. Depicting the local culture and customs of Kuna Indians, and more recently western influences, molas are sewn by women in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns, and used by Kunas to protect themselves from evil spirits. Made from store-bought fabrics and consisting of multiple layers of reverse appliqué, molas were used originally for blouses, but also serve as tablecloths, mitts, wall decorations, and, of course, tourist souvenirs. Prior to obtaining fabric from seafarers and traders more than a century ago, Kuna women used natural dyes to paint body tattoos.
A traditional Kuna hut is square, with a thatched roof. Mangrove wood, due to its thickness, durability and strength, is used primarily for structural support. Thin white cane, which too is gathered on the mainland, is used for the walls and doors. Surprisingly, there is little if any bamboo used for construction purposes. The expert craftsman that they are, Kunas, with the help of the entire community, can construct homes and community structures with surprising speed. In spite of the heavy rain, the interiors of these structures are very dry and stable, most with dirt floors.
The local economy is now more dependent on tourism that the traditional products such as cocoa, which the Kuna's trade with Colombia. In fact, very little if any new cocoa trees are harvested anymore, as it's economic important has drastically declined over the years. With independent tourists and cruise ships visiting the area during the high season months, Kuna's have adjusted their lifestyle to accommodate the
While some of the larger islands and mainland communities (Porvenir, Cartí, Rio Sidra) have public telephones, most of the Kuna Indians have limited exposure to communication services. Public phones are often occupied for extended periods of time, as it's the only manner in which locals can converse with family and friends outside of the Comarca. At this time cell phone service does not work in the Comarca.