Sobeida Cabezon Membache: Wounaan Weaver (Maje)
Meet the Maker · Majé, Darién
Sobeida Cabezon Membache
Wounaan weaver from Majé, born 1984. Tiny stitches, geometric black and white, woven pointillism.
Sobeida Cabezon Membache, Majé, Darién, Panama.
Born in the rainforest village of Majé in 1984, Sobeida Cabezon Membache is known for her incredibly intricate black-and-white geometric baskets. Her designs aren't bold in scale, but quiet and complex, made with tiny, consistent stitches that come together like woven pointillism.
One of four weaving daughters
Sobeida comes from a large, traditional Wounaan family. Her parents migrated from Colombia to Panama, raising nine children in the forest: seven daughters and two sons. Four of the daughters, including Sobeida, became weavers.
Pointillism in palm fiber
Sobeida now uses her weaving income to support the education of her four children. Her husband is also an artisan. Sobeida prefers village life and often works alongside her father, who gathers the palm she dyes and weaves.
"Tiny, consistent stitches that come together like woven pointillism."
— Jen, RFB Woven Art— Jen
Frequently asked questions about Sobeida Cabezon Membache
Who is Sobeida Cabezon Membache?
Sobeida Cabezon Membache is a Wounaan basket weaver born in 1984 in Majé. Her parents migrated from Colombia. Four of her seven sisters also became weavers.
What does Sobeida's signature style look like?
Sobeida's designs are quiet and complex, made with tiny, consistent stitches that come together like woven pointillism.
How much did Sobeida's first basket sell for?
Five US dollars when she was around ten years old.
How is Sobeida's family related to other Cabezon weavers?
RFB Woven Art also works with Deyci Cabezon, another Wounaan weaver in Majé. Whether they are sisters or cousins is unconfirmed.
