Black White Bulldog – geometric motif – mask – sculptures & statues – handwoven in Panama
Side angle view of handwoven bulldog mask showing dimensional palm fiber construction techniques
Side angle view of handwoven bulldog mask showing dimensional palm fiber construction techniques
animal masks displayed as wall art in modern minimalist interior
masks displayed on white wall above wooden console in modern bohemian interior
Embera Artisan from Panama
Black White Bulldog – geometric motif – mask – sculptures & statues – handwoven in Panama
Side angle view of handwoven bulldog mask showing dimensional palm fiber construction techniques
Side angle view of handwoven bulldog mask showing dimensional palm fiber construction techniques
animal masks displayed as wall art in modern minimalist interior
masks displayed on white wall above wooden console in modern bohemian interior
Embera Artisan from Panama

Black & White Bulldog Woven Mask - Handmade Embera Art

OBD2-172

Handwoven by the Embera |★★★★★

Guardian Spirit of the Rainforest

This striking black and white bulldog handmade woven mask represents the powerful protective spirits revered by the Emberá people of Panama’s Darién rainforest. Handwoven with intricate palm fiber techniques passed down through generations, this sculptural mask embodies both fierce protection and ancestral symbolism, where animal forms are used to express guardianship, strength, and spiritual presence within forest life. The bold contrast and expressive features create a commanding presence in any collection.

Master Emberá weavers carefully split and prepare chunga palm fibers, which are then naturally dyed in deep black and ivory tones using plant-based pigments. Each strand is meticulously woven through a controlled coiling process that builds structure, volume, and expression simultaneously. The distinctive facial contours, powerful jawline, and high-contrast patterning require precise tension control and disciplined handwork, reflecting generations of refined weaving knowledge passed through Emberá communities.

Details

Dimensions: 12″ W × 12″ D × 14″ H
Material: Palm fiber, natural plant-based dyes
Origin: Handwoven in Darién Province, Panama by Emberá artisans
Edition: One of one · SKU OBD2-172

Wall-mounted. Designed as a bold statement piece for entryways, living spaces, or curated gallery walls. Can be displayed alone or paired with other Emberá masks to emphasize contrast in form, symbolism, and expression. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve natural dye integrity.

Sourced directly from Emberá weaving communities in Panama’s Darién Province — ensuring fair compensation and direct support for artisans preserving these ancestral traditions.

Learn about Emberá woven art →

$690.00
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Approx. 12″ diameter × 12″ H × 14″ D (30 × 30 × 35 cm)
  • One-of-a-kind handwoven figure
  • 1000's of stitches over weeks & months
  • Traditional Embera weaving artistry
Free Returns 14 Days
Artisan Made Direct from Community
Trusted Since 2000 25+ Years

Handwoven in panama by

Emberá Tribe Craftsmen

No. of Artisans

dozens of artists across multiple communities

Origin

Rainforests of eastern Panama and northwestern Colombia


Fairly Made. Community Driven.

Each Embera Animal mask is purchased directly from the artist at fair prices that support families, preserve tradition, and sustain local economies.

In the forest communities of Panama and Colombia, Emberá artisans create expressive woven masks inspired by the animals, spirits, and stories of the rainforest.

Using the same finely shredded palm fibers and natural vegetal dyes found in traditional Wounaan baskets, each mask is carefully shaped and woven entirely by hand.

These striking pieces transform traditional basketry techniques into sculptural forms, preserving a distinctive tradition of Indigenous woven art.

The Story

In the rainforests of Panama’s Darién region, women of the Emberá tribe weave animal masks by hand from dyed, split palm fibers. Traditionally used by shamans in healing and cleansing rituals, the masks were displayed in ceremonial huts and often burned after the ceremony.

Today, Emberá artists continue this tradition, weaving masks for both ritual use and collectors while preserving the techniques and symbolism of this ancestral art.

Dyes Sourced from Nature

Liana Vine

Gathered from the rainforest canopy.

Trumpet Vine

Wild blossoms turned natural dye

Saffron

Golden pigment from delicate threads

The Making

Embera animal masks are meticulously handwoven from the inner fibers of the Chunga palm, carefully split and prepared into fine strands. Using natural dyes made from rainforest seeds, roots, and leaves, artisans create the brilliant colors that define these handmade masks.

Each Embera mask reflects ancestral weaving traditions and often depicts rainforest animals in striking detail—hummingbirds, jaguars, owls, and more. Depending on size and complexity, a mask can take weeks or even months to complete, making every woven Embera animal mask a one-of-a-kind piece of indigenous art.

FAQ's

Embera masks are handwoven masks created by Indigenous Embera artisans in the rainforest regions of Panama, particularly in the Darién. Using fibers gathered from the forest, artists weave expressive animal forms inspired by the wildlife around them. Each Embera mask is made entirely by hand, making every piece a one-of-a-kind example of Indigenous woven art.

Traditional Embera masks are woven from chunga palm fiber, a rainforest plant that is harvested, split into fine strands, and dyed before weaving. The fibers are carefully shaped and woven to form animals such as birds, frogs, monkeys, and jaguars. Chunga palm is both flexible and durable, which allows artisans to create the intricate textures and sculptural forms that make Embera masks so distinctive.

Authentic Embera masks show the detail and variation that comes from hand weaving. When you look closely, you will notice fine stitching, natural fibers, and subtle differences in shape or pattern that reveal the hand of the artisan. Genuine masks are woven from chunga palm fiber by Embera artists using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Collectors value Embera masks for their craftsmanship and storytelling. The woven animal forms reflect the wildlife of Panama’s rainforest and the artistic traditions of the Embera people. Because each mask is handmade and no two are exactly alike, many collectors and interior designers display them as woven sculptures or Indigenous wall art.

Embera masks are most often displayed as handwoven wall art. Some collectors hang a single mask as a focal point, while others create a gallery arrangement of several masks to highlight different animal forms and weaving styles. Their sculptural shapes and natural fibers add texture, character, and a sense of global craftsmanship to a space.

Free shipping within the continental US. Contact us for shipping outside the US at jen@woven.art, and we will offer options.

Free pre-paid returns with 14 days. Love it or return it with no obligation.

Each piece is handwoven over many months using natural fibers and plant-based dyes, reflecting the traditions of skilled artisans. To preserve the color and structure of your handwoven basket or woven art, display it away from direct sunlight or skylights, as prolonged UV exposure can fade natural dyes and weaken fibers over time.

In very dry climates, you may occasionally mist the inside lightly with distilled or non-chlorinated water, similar to caring for wicker or rattan. Gently blot away any excess with a paper towel to help maintain the fiber’s natural balance and long-term durability.

With proper care, artisan woven baskets made from natural materials can retain their beauty and strength for many years.

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