Lubisia Membache

Panama

Year(s) attended: 2009

Wounaan National Congress (years of participation: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Baskets

The Wounaan are a small “ethnic traditional group” of about 8000 people based in the Darien rain forests of Panama. Carrying on the traditions of her important culture, Lubisia weaves palm fibers into baskets (hosig di) that reflect the importance of the natural world around this earthbound - in the best sense of the word - people. Covered with brightly colored birds and butterflies, or arranged in mesmerizing patterns of black and natural palm, each intricately-woven basket can take anywhere from 2 weeks, for a 2” basket, to 1 year, for a 13” basket, to make. As her mother did before her, Lubisia is teaching her daughters to carry on this important cultural tradition.