Matriarchal Project
Kuna women of Panama 2005

Paintings
by Katerina Karaskova & Simon Bird

This is a reputadly strong matriarchal society which still exists. All land is passed down on the female side of the family and businesses are usually run by women.

Four generations of Kuna, Carti Subtupu

In the San Blas islands land, houses and money are inherited down the female side of the family ( a matrilinial system ). Women visually and politically stick together for strength.

Acrylic on canvas, 40x30 cm aprx
by Katerina

Kuna at the dock , Carti Subtupu, SanBlas Islands.

On an Island roughly 70m by 200m live nearly 970 Kunas. There is no fresh water so it has to be brought from the mainland using dugout canoes. Mid afternoon women stand around yapping wait for the men to turn up with the daily supply of fresh water.

Acylic on canvas, 70cmx46cm
by Simon

The Kuna way, Carti Subtupu

Again women seem to have clung onto traditional costumes more than men. This pictures show a typical view of daily live on the San Blas islands.

Acrylic on canvas, 40x30 cm
by Katerina

Picture by local kuna fisherman

Carti Subtupu island, Carti Subtupu

Many of the Sanblas islands are over populated and houses cover every inch of land. Men are busy collecting water from the mainland while women look after babies and visit family on other islands.

Acrylic on canvas, 60x40 cm aprx
by Katerina