The Guna Story: Ancestral Wisdom, Art, and Resilience from Panama’s San Blas Islands

Who Are the Guna (Kuna) People?

The Guna, sometimes spelled Kuna, are one of the most well-known Indigenous peoples of Panama. Known for their vibrant textiles, rich oral traditions, and resilient communities, they have lived along the Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia for centuries.

The Guna people refer to themselves as "Dule," meaning "people" in their native language. Though “Kuna” was used historically in Spanish, the community officially adopted the spelling “Guna” in 2010 to better reflect their pronunciation.

Where the Guna Live

Life in the San Blas Archipelago

Most Guna live in Guna Yala, an autonomous Indigenous territory along Panama’s northeast coast. This region includes the stunning San Blas Islands, a chain of over 300 small islands known for turquoise waters and pristine beaches.

While only about 50 of the islands are permanently inhabited, they remain deeply significant not just as homes, but as cultural and spiritual landscapes.

Guna Yala: The Autonomous Territory

Guna Yala is governed by its own Indigenous leadership, known as the Saila system, allowing the community to maintain cultural practices, regulate land use, and protect their way of life independently from national governance.

Language, Tradition, and Spiritual Beliefs

The Dulegaya Language

The Guna speak Dulegaya, a language unique to their culture. It is still widely used in schools, daily life, and traditional ceremonies, playing a critical role in cultural preservation.

Spiritual Practices and Connection to Nature

Guna spirituality is rooted in respect for nature, ancestral spirits, and balance. The community believes that all living things are connected a worldview reflected in their stories, rituals, and artwork.

Molas: The Artistic Heart of Guna Culture

At the center of Guna artistic expression is the mola a vibrant, hand-sewn textile panel made using a technique called reverse appliqué. These pieces are typically sewn by Guna women and layered with intricate geometric patterns, animals, symbols, and sometimes modern imagery, each telling its own visual story.

Molas are not just decorative. They are worn as part of traditional women’s clothing, typically sewn into the front and back of blouses. The word mola itself means “clothing” or “shirt” in Dulegaya, and every panel reflects the identity, creativity, and spiritual beliefs of its maker.

Each mola is a labor of love. Some can take weeks to complete depending on their complexity. Because the Guna value individuality, no two molas are ever the same. The result is a textile tradition that is as dynamic as it is meaningful.

Women as Keepers of the Tradition

In Guna culture, women hold an essential role not only in family and community life but also as cultural custodians through their craftsmanship. Mola-making is passed down through generations, beginning in early childhood. Girls learn the art from their mothers and grandmothers, not only stitching techniques but also the cultural significance behind each design.

Women are also respected figures within Guna society. They are seen as spiritual and creative leaders, and the artistry of their molas is one of the primary ways the culture is preserved and expressed.

Guna Clothing and Symbolism

Traditional Dress and Beadwork

Alongside molas, traditional Guna dress includes colorful skirts, gold nose rings, and long strands of beads worn around the arms and legs called wini. These adornments aren't simply fashion they carry ancestral and spiritual symbolism. Every element of Guna attire is intentional and speaks to identity, beauty, and balance.

The Role of Molas in Daily Life

Beyond being clothing, molas are offered as gifts, worn in ceremonies, and even sold to support families. Today, mola art has entered global markets, appreciated not just for its beauty but also for its connection to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.

Resistance and Autonomy

The 1925 Guna Revolution

The Guna have a long history of resisting outside control. In 1925, they led a successful rebellion known as the Guna Revolution, pushing back against Panamanian government policies that aimed to suppress their culture and traditional dress. After negotiations, the Guna secured a formal agreement allowing them to govern their own territory the foundation of what is now Guna Yala.

Guna Self-Governance Today

Today, the Guna maintain a strong political structure. Community decisions are made through congresses led by sailas, or spiritual leaders. These gatherings blend democratic processes with traditional knowledge, showing how Indigenous governance can thrive in modern contexts.

Challenges Facing the Guna People

Climate Change and Rising Seas

One of the most urgent issues the Guna face today is climate change. Many of the San Blas islands are only a few feet above sea level, making them highly vulnerable to rising tides. Some communities are already discussing relocation to the mainland a move that would deeply affect their cultural and spiritual ties to the islands.

Balancing Modernity with Preservation

Like many Indigenous groups, the Guna walk a fine line between embracing modern tools (like education and digital platforms) and protecting traditional ways of life. This balance is delicate but crucial and the mola remains a visible, wearable symbol of resistance, identity, and continuity.

Guna Values and Community Life

A Culture of Respect and Sustainability

The Guna way of life is deeply guided by principles of balance, mutual respect, and environmental stewardship. Land and sea are not just resources but sacred relatives. Hunting, fishing, and gathering are done sustainably, with a keen awareness of seasonal rhythms and spiritual gratitude.

The community structure emphasizes collective well-being over individual gain. Decisions are made through open dialogue, and elders are honored as keepers of wisdom. This cohesion has helped the Guna maintain cultural integrity, even under external pressures.

Roles, Rituals, and Celebrations

Life in a Guna village follows a rhythm marked by rites of passage, storytelling, music, and dance. Ceremonies such as the “Ico-Inna” (girl’s puberty ritual) are key to cultural identity, blending spiritual guidance with festive community gatherings.

Drums, chants, and oral histories are central to every event all woven into daily life alongside the vibrant threads of the mola.

Buying Authentic Molas and Guna Art

How to Identify Real Molas

With molas becoming increasingly popular, it's important to distinguish between authentic, handmade molas and machine-made imitations. Here's what to look for:

• Multiple layers of cloth (typically 2–5)

• Hand-stitched reverse appliqué, not printed designs

• Unique, asymmetrical patterns — no two should be identical

• Visible hand-cut details on the edges and curves

• Signed or tagged pieces with artisan or community info (if available)

Why Fair Trade Matters

Buying from trusted, ethical sources ensures that Guna women are fairly compensated and that their cultural work is respected. Platforms like TraderBrock source directly from artisan groups in Guna Yala, offering authentic molas and sharing the stories behind each piece.

Purchasing a mola isn't just acquiring art it's supporting a living culture and helping preserve an endangered tradition.

Guna Influence Beyond Panama

Art, Advocacy, and Global Recognition

The Guna story is reaching beyond Panama’s shores. Through art, activism, and global exhibitions, Guna voices are now part of larger conversations around Indigenous rights, climate justice, and cultural preservation.

Molas have appeared in fashion shows, museums, and educational curricula, serving as symbols of Indigenous creativity and resistance. Guna artists and leaders continue to share their stories with the world not for pity or spectacle, but for mutual understanding and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Guna People

1. Are Guna and Kuna the same people?
Yes. The spelling "Kuna" was historically used, but the correct and official spelling since 2010 is "Guna" — better reflecting the pronunciation in their native language.

2. Where do the Guna live?
Primarily in Guna Yala, an autonomous Indigenous territory along Panama’s northeastern coast, including the San Blas Islands.

3. What is a mola?
A mola is a layered, hand-sewn textile created using reverse appliqué techniques. It is traditionally made by Guna women and worn as part of their clothing.

4. Can I visit the Guna in San Blas?
Yes. Tourism is permitted, but visitors should respect local customs and support community-led businesses to ensure their stay is responsible and beneficial.

5. Are molas only worn, or are they also art?
Both. Molas are part of traditional dress but are also sold as framed art or used in fashion and home decor worldwide.

6. Why is Guna culture important today?
Because it offers a powerful model of how Indigenous communities can preserve tradition, protect the environment, and assert autonomy in the modern world.

Final Thoughts: Cultural Survival Through Art and Autonomy

The Guna people are a testament to the power of identity, tradition, and creativity in the face of change. From their self-governed islands in San Blas to the intricate molas that adorn museum walls, their story is one of pride and preservation.

By learning about the Guna and supporting their art, autonomy, and environmental advocacy we don’t just preserve the past. We invest in a future where Indigenous voices are valued, cultural heritage is honored, and beauty is born from resilience.