MiCultura credits 180 artisan from Ipeti and piriatí Emberá

Panama, 3 October 2020 -The Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) accredited an hundred and eighty people from Ipetí and Piriatí Emberá as artisan and artisan communities, and they have been managing their skills and greatly improving opportunities for economic and social development in the communities.

The accreditation was given by the Vice Minister of Culture, Gabriel González and the National Director of Handicrafts of MiCultura Jaime Luna, who emphasized the importance of accompanying them in the formality of their actions to also participate in continuous training programs, marketing their products and other benefits that help to optimize the quality of life of Panamanian artisans.

The first group of accredited artisan, composed of 95% ladies and 5% knights, whose crafts are inspired by the Emberá culture, will also be included in the MiCultura programs that are currently currently under implementation as Sumal Ya, Panama Solidario and Crea in Panama, adds Luna.

The MiCultura authorities and work team have been welcomed by the authorities of the Embera Congress from the two communities of Alto Bayano, headed by Sara Omi Casamama, President of the Congress who expressed joy and satisfaction with MiCultura's initiative and commitment with Ipetí and Piriatí Embera's group of artisans.

The crafts of this region consist mainly of chunga baskets, masks, home ornaments, figure carved in wood and tagua, necklaces and other items in chaquiras, and pieces of clothing. Each piece, material or color have a message of its natural environment, its beliefs and customs.