Emberá chaquira beadwork

Among the Emberá, who live in the rainforests of the Chocó (Colombia) and the Darién (Panama), working with chaquira is a women's art. With tiny glass beads they create wide collars, bracelets and richly colored ornaments.

Who and where #

The Emberá are an Indigenous people of Colombia and Panama. Their neighbors the Wounaan are also known for tagua carving and for their baskets. Chaquira (glass beads) arrived with European trade and was fully absorbed into their culture.

Materials and techniques #

• Chaquira: very small glass beads in many colors.
• Thread and needle, or simple looms, to string and weave the beads.
• Seeds, tagua and other materials from the surroundings in combined pieces.

Traditional pieces and their meaning #

• Wide chaquira collars: woven with beads in colored bands and geometric patterns; worn in daily life and at celebrations.
• Beaded bracelets and ornaments: woven bands with repeated motifs.
• Designs: they are often inspired by the surroundings: rivers, animals, plants and the body, although the specific meaning depends on each artisan and community.

The tradition today #

Emberá artisans sell their work in communities, fairs and cooperatives. Buying directly from them, or from organizations that pay fair prices, supports families and the continuity of the tradition.

See also #

• Glass and crystal
• Seeds, tagua and nuts
• Rope and cord
• How to buy artisan and Indigenous jewelry ethically