Wounaan and Emberá use and management of the fiber palmAstrocaryum standleyanum (Arecaceae) for basketry in eastern Panamá

Abstract

This study examines the use of Astrocaryum standleyanum for basketry by Wounaan and Embera artisans in Panama. Fibers from the palm are a traditional source of material for baskets, which have become commercial art items within the last fifteen years. Data on palm use were collected over two years, largely from Darien Province. Results indicate that the palm is destructively harvested, usually for a single spear leaf. Artisans remove the fibers from the pinnae and color them with dye plants. Astrocaryum standleyanum strands are sewn around a foundation of Carludovica palmata to make coiled baskets. Wounaan weavers are considered the better artisans, perhaps because of cultural traditions or a longer history with art vendors. The sale of A., standleyanum baskets is an important source of cash income, with both domestic and international sales. The destructive harvesting of palms threatens the industry and suggestions are made for sustainable harvest.