What are the most famous traditional handicrafts in Panama?
Some of the most famous handicrafts include molas (colorful fabric panels made by the Guna people), chaquiras (beaded necklaces), polleras (traditional dresses), woven baskets from the Emberá people, and tagua nut carvings.
What are the main ingredients in sancocho, Panama’s national dish?
The main ingredients include chicken, ñame (yam), culantro, corn, onions, and vegetables, creating a flavorful and hearty soup.
What instrument is essential in tamborito, Panama’s traditional dance?
Tambores (drums) are essential in tamborito, a traditional Panamanian dance that combines African rhythms and Spanish melodies.
What is the name of this musical instrument?
Panamanian wooden drum
How is the mola made, and which indigenous group creates it?
The mola is made by the Guna (or Kuna) people using a reverse appliqué technique, where layers of fabric are cut and sewn together to create intricate designs, often inspired by nature or daily life.
What traditional Panamanian dessert is made with coconut and corn?
Bollo de coco is a popular dessert made with ground corn, coconut, and sugar, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
How are Panamanian drums (tambores) made?
Tambores are made by hollowing out wooden logs and stretching animal skins over the top. They are played by hand or with drumsticks, producing deep, rhythmic beats.
What is this?
Woven basket
What materials are commonly used in Panamanian handicrafts?
Common materials include cotton fabric (for molas), palm leaves and straw (for baskets and hats), tagua nut (for carvings), wood (for sculptures and masks), and beads (for chaquiras).
How does Panamanian cuisine reflect its multicultural influences?
Panamanian cuisine blends indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, seen in dishes like tamal panameño (indigenous-Spanish), carimañolas (Afro-Caribbean), and ceviche (Spanish-Latin American).
What is the mejorana, and how is it played?
The mejorana is a small, five-stringed guitar-like instrument played by plucking or strumming. It is used in Panamanian folk music, particularly in décimas and traditional dances.