| |
 The Kunas or Dules (Tules), are found in several regions: Kuna Yala, area that occupies the San Blas Archipelago in Panama´s Caribbean region; Madugandí in the area of Bayano Lake; and of the Wargandi in Darién in the high part of the Chucunaque river and lastly, close to the Colombian border, we have some Kunas people. Its language is Kuna or Dule Gaya. The legal recognition of the Kuna territory was concreted through Law No. 16 of February
19th, 1953 which organized the Kuna Yala region.
The Kunas are considered the best organized indigenous group in Latin America. Its society is based in well defined ancestral norms, and one of the world´s best organized social-political and religious structures and functions and which are ruled in all of the community. Its political structure is made up by a system of Chiefs called “Sahilas”, in charge in fulfilling taxes, domestic laws and civil order. Although the Kunas are Panamanians, its land is sovereign and the government have restrictions in their territory. Its family structure is very complex. Different from other groups, women have an outstanding role in the family and in the society.
The Kunas are workers and their work is defined according to their gender. Money is very important for the culture and to obtain them the group sell their Molas as memory and commercialize their fishing which is considered handmade, in other words they do not use mechanical methods to this activity.
The architecture of their homes is simple, basically built with sugar cane. However, its structure is strong, capable of holding up with strong winds and rain. The typical dances of this ethnic group are called Noga Koppe and is danced to the music of flutes elaborated with thin bambu and threat. Each element of this culture is a dignified adventure to discover. |
|
