Eliria Mepaquito (La Artista): Wounaan Weaver, Aruza
Meet the Maker · Aruza, Darién · In Her Words
Eliria Mepaquito
Wounaan weaver from Aruza, called la artista. Master of the oval geometric basket. Interview and translation from the artist's words.
Eliria Mepaquito, Aruza, Darién, Panama.
"I began weaving when I was fourteen, learning from women in my village: friends, mentors, family. What I love most are geometric designs in oval shapes. They require the most precision and focus, and I like that. I choose them because they challenge me, and because the creative process is where I feel most alive."
Eliria Mepaquito is a Wounaan basket artist from the remote village of Aruza in the Darién rainforest of Panama. She lives there with her husband, Alfredo Membache, and their two children. Originally born in Capetí, upriver on the Rio Tuira, Eliria has spent her life in the rainforest, rooted in both craft and community.
Ovals in black, chocolate brown, and gray
Her baskets are quiet works of mastery: elegant ovals stitched from hand-split chunga (Astrocaryum standleyanum) and naguala palm, dyed with plants like asafrán, pucham, bejuco, and solimán. Her favorite colors are black, chocolate brown, and gray. For Eliria, weaving is also a cultural statement, a spiritual practice, and a way to support her family in the face of economic and social challenges.
"For many years I've also worked in farming, raised children, and served in my church. I teach weaving to other women, too, when there's time. I want to pass on what I know, because our basketry isn't just beautiful, it's a part of who we are."
An encouraging presence in her village
Eliria is known in her community as la artista, a quiet leader who encourages other women to develop their own creative paths. Her dream is plainly stated: to help her village, build a better home, and support the future of her church. She hopes her children can one day pursue a strong education and use their voice to advocate for their people.
"Our basketry isn't just beautiful. It's a part of who we are."
— Eliria Mepaquito"My hope is that more people learn to truly value our art, our culture, and give it their support."
— Jen
Frequently asked questions about Eliria Mepaquito
Who is Eliria Mepaquito?
Eliria Mepaquito is a Wounaan basket weaver from the remote village of Aruza in Panama's Darién rainforest. She was born in Capetí, upriver on the Rio Tuira. She lives in Aruza with her husband Alfredo Membache and their two children, and is known in her community as la artista, an encouraging presence for other women weavers.
What are Eliria Mepaquito's signature motifs and materials?
Eliria specializes in oval-shaped geometric baskets, which she chooses for their demand on precision and focus. She works in hand-split chunga (Astrocaryum standleyanum) and naguala palm, dyed with asafrán, pucham, bejuco, and solimán. Her favorite color palette is black, chocolate brown, and gray.
Who else weaves in Aruza, Darién?
Aruza is a small Wounaan village in Panama's Darién rainforest. Two artists RFB Woven Art works with are based there: Eliria Mepaquito (oval geometric baskets) and Selerino Cheucarama, a master carver known for his cocobolo and tagua los guardienes figures. Eliria's husband, Alfredo Membache, shares a surname with Lubecia Membache of Majé, which suggests extended family ties between Aruza and Majé.
What does la artista mean for Eliria's role in her village?
La artista ("the artist") is what Eliria Mepaquito is called in Aruza. She uses the role to encourage other women to develop their own creative paths, teaching weaving when she has time between farming, raising her children, and serving in her church. She hopes her work, and her teaching, will help more people value Wounaan art and culture.
