While in Panama, we traveled by boat on the Chagres River to visit the Embera village, deep in the rainforest. The women of this indigenous community are known for their detailed weaving traditions including these masks. Traditionally they were used for shaman rituals and can take months to complete. Each mask is handwoven from Chunga palm fibers and dyed with vegetable dyes from the local roots, berries and river silt. Each is one of a kind, has a personality of its own and reflects the weavers personal technique.