Feb.2010 KUNA YALA .
Just off the coast of Pamama there is a group of more than 300 islands independent of the governance of Panama.We are anchored in the gorgeous archipelago of San blas known by locals as KUNA YALA.

There is a tiny island a few hudred yards away, the homes are made of bamboo and palm leaves, the toilet for the whole island is on the end of the pontoon emptying diectly into the sea.

We are welcolmed by the locals who row over to Miss Tippy with their goods for sale.

The ladies bring bracelets.

The women rule the household in Kuna Yala and earn their living by selling beautiful handmade molas.

The fisherman want coca cola and little money in exchange for a fish.

The men bring red snapper and amazing lobster which has all been caught by spear fishing.

Nesta who speaks English, invites us into his home. He lives in his hut with about 50 people, each family has their own area for sleeping in hammocks.

Nesta is the only one in the house with a bed for his wife and 5 daughters.
Within minutes thechildren are wearing clothes we brought. My friends may recognise them as they were passed on to me for my girls from Horsham and Chobham, it’s really nice to recycle!

The local families are busy with washing and cooking their one meal a day on open fires inside their huts.
We don’t want to invade their privacy but they make us extremely welcome and invite us in.

Colourful birds are very tame here.

The island children are playful and make friends easily.

We are honoured to be taken into the heart of the village.

The gathering house is the heart of the Kuna Yala community. Here village life and labour is organised, decisions are made, disputes resolved and KUNA values taught and the issues of the outside world are discussed.

A lady sits making bracelets and molas.

The Sila house is where the Chiefs meet and discuss their own island affairs in their hammocks!

We are invited to photograph the KUNA YALA islands champion basketball team.

A tournament was taking place as we arrived on the island of Mamitupu.

We printed and laminated their first ever team photograph and presented a copy for each team member. The gift was greatly appreciated and we were taken into a special hut where all the trophies were kept ,Our picture was given a place of great pride.

The villagers came out to meet us.
A beautiful Kuna Grandmother, Mother and baby.

The women sew their molas into blouses.

The Kunas only marry within their own tribe and there are a number of Albino babies because of the intermarriage.These babies are very loved and cared for by all relatives.

Nesta took the Tippy boys in his canoe to get a machete from a nearby island.

Freddie is pleased with his new toy!

The islands are amazing and there are more to explore! I’m enjoying the lifestyle!
Especially the women in charge tradition!

Love Sheila x

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