The Wounaan and Embera Indians from the Darien Rainforest of Panama are master artisans. The women are well-known for the exquisite baskets they weave from natural palm fibers and plant dyes found in their native rainforest. Seldom are two baskets alike. The original designs usually portray life in the village, local animals and insects or plant life.

Income earned from the sale of these baskets reduces the need to destroy the rainforest for agricultural use. One of 11 children, Idaira Cabezón Mepaquito began weaving baskets with her friends and siblings at the age of 15. A university graduate, Idaira teaches literacy to teens and adults in her community with the help of the Ministry of Education’s Program for Literacy. She also advocates on behalf of her indigenous community for the preservation of her people’s land resources, which are not recognized by the Panamanian government and are in constant danger of destruction at the hands of encroaching foreign developers.