THE CHAQUIRA
Traditionally, the beads used by the Emberá were made of rock, seeds and animal teeth. Today, the Emberá maintain this tradition, but they use plastic beads and buy them from a shop in Panama City.
To make a beaded article, cotton thread, a minimum of 5 cm is used. Then, beads of different colours are used to sew the item.
The designs made by the Emberá women are inspired by nature. They also make geometric and traditional designs, learned from their ancestors. Various items that are made include:
The Emberá people prefer strong and vibrant colours. Designs are passed from one generation to the next; therefore, Emberá women do not need a book to weave their work.
