Panama
September 2018
6:11
What does body painting mean to the Embera culture? One finds identity through this ancestral custom. “When I use painting, it’s like being my real self…I realise that I’m a real Emberá. My identity appears.”
Film edited by Jose Hernandez; filmed by Truman Granwell, Elio Barrigon and Jose Hernandez.
Produced during the youth training workshop in Panama August 2018
Mara is passionate about jagua [traditional Embera bodypainting]. At the beginning it was just a past time. After the discrimination,...
Reclaiming and strengthening indigenous culture is vital to maintaining ancestral connections to nature. This must be passed onto future generations by celebrating indigenous traditions. Embera youth are spearheading a cultural revival, after decades of assimilation, through traditional body painting and storytelling. Meanwhile sustainable community forestry initiatives are creating low impact income for communities that rely […]
Dance is integral to the indigenous Embera culture of Panama. So is the body painting. Migdalys Cunampio works to maintain the spirit of these traditions, so the young women do not lose their identity. She is instilling a pride in their customs to rescue their culture; “Always show you’re Embera.” Film by Olo Villalaz, Mara […]
