A note from Jen — I found the first of these while buying baskets: whimsical masks, big cats with Lion King manes, hummingbirds with beaks that move.
Ĥu hajim — thank you, from the Wounaan · ❤️ Jen at RFB Woven Art
Emberá woven art encompasses three distinct forms made by the same hands from the same Chunga palm fiber: animal masks, ceremonial figure sets, and woven animals. Each piece is woven, not carved, by Indigenous Emberá women in Panama's Darién rainforest using a coil technique that has defined this tradition for generations.
None of these pieces are painted. Colors come entirely from rainforest plants: pucham leaves, turmeric, achiote seed and cocobolo wood. Every piece is one of a kind. Sourced directly from Emberá weavers in Panama.
Small woven animals start at $85, hummingbird masks run $120 to $185, and the largest statement masks reach $2,590. Shipping is free in the continental US and orders go out within 1 to 3 business days.
Browse by animal: birds, cats, dogs, ducks, horses, monkeys, anteaters, and grande masks.
Commonly Asked
Woven. Every mask, figure, and animal is coiled from chunga palm fiber by Emberá women in Panama's Darién rainforest. Nothing is carved and nothing is painted. The color is dyed into the fiber before weaving.
Entirely from rainforest plants. Dried pucham leaves give red, turmeric gives yellow, achiote seed gives orange, and cocobolo wood gives brown. Because dye sits in the fiber rather than on the surface, the color will not flake or rub off.
Depending on size and detail, a mask can take from five days to more than six months. Larger masks, sometimes reaching three feet tall, require thousands of stitches. Small woven animals take a few days to a week.
Many masks honor rainforest animals the Emberá live alongside: horses, birds, cats, dogs, sloths, anteaters. Others embody spirits or mythological figures. Traditionally connected to festivals and dances, today they are woven as fine art that carries the same cultural weight.
Yes. I buy directly from Emberá families in the Darién. Every purchase supports the weaver who made it, and in Panama a portion goes toward a long-running deposit system covering housing, school, medical costs, and daily needs.
No. Every piece is one of one. Once it sells, it is gone. I never restock because no two pieces are identical.
Dust with a soft, dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight to protect the natural dyes. Wall-mounted masks should be hung away from moisture and heat sources.
Orders ship within 1 to 3 business days with free shipping in the continental US. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery in original condition.