Abstract
Abstract. The results of a research project on the vernacular architecture of indigenous communities in western Panama are presented. The field of study focuses on the indigenous territories of the Ngäbe, Buglé, Naso and Bribri ethnic groups, close to the border with Costa Rica. All of them belong to a well-defined geographical area and are linked by close historical, social and cultural ties. The constructions studied are based on the use of plant materials from their immediate surroundings, have enormous geographical, historical and ethnological value, and reflect the distinct lifestyles of the people who built and used them. Fully adapted to their natural environment and embracing high levels of environmental efficiency and sustainability, these constructions are nevertheless little known, little valued outside their region (and even within it), and are in serious danger of disappearing due to the introduction of new building materials. This paper presents the results of the current research project which emphasizes the morphology, structure, materials, construction techniques, typology and function of the buildings under study; and presents the working processes related to their construction.
Highlights
At the western end of the Republic of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica, live four indigenous groups (Ngäbe, Buglé, Naso and Bribri) who maintain a large part of their traditional lifestyles, especially in terms of architecture
The research focuses on the indigenous territories of the four ethnic groups present at the west end of the country: Bribri and Naso in the province of Bocas del Toro, and Ngäbe and Buglé within their own region
The Bribri occupy an extensive territory on both sides of the border between Panama and Costa Rica, so they have legal status as a cross-border group, the Panamanian Bribri people are confined to a well-defined area along the banks of the Yorkin and Sixaola rivers, in the district of Changuinola in the province of Bocas del Toro
Summary
At the western end of the Republic of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica, live four indigenous groups (Ngäbe, Buglé, Naso and Bribri) who maintain a large part of their traditional lifestyles, especially in terms of architecture. In the communities of: Piedra Grande (Buglé territory, Agua Salud corregimiento, Ñurum district, Ngabe Buglé Comarca); Filo Verde (Ngäbe territory, Tu Gway corregimiento, Jirondai district, Ngabe Buglé Comarca) Guabo de Yorkin and Dacle (Bribri territory, Las Delicias corregimiento, Changuinola district, Bocas del Toro province); and Sieiyic, Sieikin and San San Dru Di (Naso territory, Teribe corregimiento, Changuinola district, Bocas del Toro province) (igure 1) They form a coherent region of study because they belong to a well-defined geographical area with close historical, social and cultural links. The aim is to investigate the procedures involved in the construction of this architecture (mechanisms for obtaining, transporting and installing raw materials, systems for hiring personnel or for collaboration with the community, the hierarchy and degree of specialization of the personnel involved in the construction work, financing, costs, ownership, administrative procedure, etc.), and to contribute to their conservation and preservation on the basis of the appropriate social appraisal of these buildings and the traditional knowledge from which they derive
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