I certainly had heard of the San Blas Islands, knew they were near the country of Panama, but not much else. The San Blas Islands are inhabited by the autonomous Kuna Indians, who call their land Kuna Yala. In fact, they do not appreciate the name San Blas, as it was given to the area by previous Spanish invaders.

The Kunas are accepting of visitors and cruisers, but they prohibit any non-Kuna from permanently settling or intermarrying. The Kunas are a peaceful race, and crime is a rare event in their communities. They have the physical stature of pygmies, and for the most part, very physically fit with a very active lifestyle of survival. They fish and much of their economy is growing and selling coconuts. In fact, it is a known rule that non-Kuna people should NEVER help themselves to any coconuts.

The Kunas are a matriarchal society, and much of their income is earned by selling "molas.: These forms of arts are intricately made by sewing and cutting different layers of colorful cloths. Every mola is unique, traditionally geometric designs, but more recently showing picturesque scenes of animals, birds and marine life. Upon arrival of Isla Maquina, we had the local ladies come out in their dugout canoes and show us their artwork. Their handcraft was beautiful, and so many to chose from. I ultimately settled on a beautiful marine scene with divers, lobster, fish and the locals rowing their canoe. We as well appreciated their typical dress, and the only way we were allowed to photograph them was to buy a mola, so another motivating factor to make a purchase. We later went to visit their commune on their island, another special treat that we had to "clear" with the chief of the village. Of all the travels and far out lands we have experienced since the voyage began, we all felt that our time with the Kunas was definitely an encounter back in time.


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