Mogue, Punta Alegre, Panama
After completing our fascinating transit of the Panama Canal at midnight, we sailed east on the Pacific towards the province of Darien. With calm seas and a good night’s sleep behind us, Jed, our Expedition Leader, allowed us to stay in bed ‘til 8:30 when brunch was served. Then we departed to visit the community of Panamanian Indians known as the Embera. We did not use the ship’s Zodiacs for this excursion but actually sailed in local dugout canoes with outboard motors. After almost an hour, we went from the sea into the Mogue River and reached the village. The natives greeted us with music and dances and welcomed us into their village. Traditional dress adorned them: The men wore loincloths (known as “wayuco”) and their bodies were covered in animal designs and geometric figures, all painted with jagua ink. The women wore nothing but a skirt known as “Paruma.” After a short explanation of their culture, given by the “Noko” or chieftain, they opened their market to us. There we had the opportunity to purchase art crafts (beautifully woven baskets and plates and cocobolo carvings). Some of us decided to tattoo our legs and arms with jagua ink, others, to dance. Our festive visit concluded because we needed to leave before low tide.
After completing our fascinating transit of the Panama Canal at midnight, we sailed east on the Pacific towards the province of Darien. With calm seas and a good night’s sleep behind us, Jed, our Expedition Leader, allowed us to stay in bed ‘til 8:30 when brunch was served. Then we departed to visit the community of Panamanian Indians known as the Embera. We did not use the ship’s Zodiacs for this excursion but actually sailed in local dugout canoes with outboard motors. After almost an hour, we went from the sea into the Mogue River and reached the village. The natives greeted us with music and dances and welcomed us into their village. Traditional dress adorned them: The men wore loincloths (known as “wayuco”) and their bodies were covered in animal designs and geometric figures, all painted with jagua ink. The women wore nothing but a skirt known as “Paruma.” After a short explanation of their culture, given by the “Noko” or chieftain, they opened their market to us. There we had the opportunity to purchase art crafts (beautifully woven baskets and plates and cocobolo carvings). Some of us decided to tattoo our legs and arms with jagua ink, others, to dance. Our festive visit concluded because we needed to leave before low tide.
