Handcraft, Shopping and Souvenirs to bring back from Panama

Iconic Panamanian Handcrafts

Molas from the Guna People

What they are: Molas are intricate, multi-layered textile panels featuring complex geometric or figurative designs. They are a signature art form of the Guna people and traditionally form the front and back panels of a Guna woman’s blouse.

What to look for: A high-quality mola is distinguished by its fine, even, and nearly invisible stitching. Look for multiple layers of fabric (at least three or four) and unique, complex designs created using a reverse-appliqué technique.

Where to buy: You can find them from Guna vendors in Casco Viejo and at the Mercado de Artesanías. For the most authentic experience, purchasing them in the Guna Yala (San Blas Islands) directly from the community is ideal.

Purchasing a mola directly from a Guna woman is the most meaningful way to acquire one, as it directly supports her family, her community, and the preservation of this unique art form. You will notice a range in quality and price. Simpler, two-layer molas with basic designs are often made for the tourist market. In contrast, a master-quality mola, sought by collectors, will feature numerous layers, an exceptionally high stitch count, and an imaginative, one-of-a-kind design that can take months to complete.

Woven Baskets and Masks from the Emberá and Wounaan Peoples

Materials: These remarkable pieces are woven from the durable fibers of the chunga (black palm) and nahuala plants. The vibrant colors are achieved using dyes derived from natural sources like roots, berries, and leaves.

Products: Artisans create tightly woven baskets (canastas), decorative plates, and striking masks. The intricate designs often depict the rich flora and fauna of the Darién rainforest.

What to look for: The primary indicator of quality is the fineness and tightness of the weave. A masterfully crafted basket can be so tightly woven that it is said to hold water.

The creation of a single basket is an exercise in patience and extraordinary skill. From harvesting and preparing the palm fibers to dyeing and meticulously weaving the design, one medium-sized piece can represent hundreds of hours of dedicated work passed down through generations.

Tagua Nut Carvings (“Vegetable Ivory”)

What it is: The tagua nut is the dried seed of a specific palm tree. Once dried, it develops a color, texture, and hardness that is remarkably similar to elephant ivory, earning it the name “vegetable ivory.”

Souvenirs: Artisans carve these nuts into exquisite miniature sculptures of rainforest animals like frogs, toucans, and monkeys. You will also find them fashioned into chess sets and unique pieces of jewelry.

Why it’s a great souvenir: It is a beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly memento that supports rainforest conservation by providing an economic alternative to deforestation and the poaching of animals for ivory.

The transformation from nut to art is a testament to craftsmanship. The tagua nuts are first harvested and then dried for several months to achieve the necessary hardness. Once ready, the artisan peels away the outer husk and begins the delicate process of carving, sanding, and polishing the piece by hand to reveal the lustrous, ivory-like finish.

Beaded Jewelry (Chaquiras)

Origin: These vibrant pieces are traditionally worn by the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous group, especially for ceremonies and important occasions.

Description: Chaquiras are wide, colorful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings featuring bold geometric patterns. The intricate designs are woven together with thousands of tiny beads.

Where to find them: While available in many artisan markets throughout Panama, the quality can vary. The most authentic and well-crafted pieces are often found in areas closer to the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, such as in the Chiriquí province.

The Famous Panama Hat (A Helpful Clarification)

The Ecuadorian Origin Story

Here is a point of clarification for travelers: the iconic “Panama Hat” is traditionally and expertly handwoven in Ecuador. Its name is a historical quirk. During the California Gold Rush and later the construction of the Panama Canal, these lightweight, sun-blocking hats were shipped from Ecuador to the Isthmus of Panama for international distribution. Workers and travelers adopted them, and they became globally known by their point of sale rather than their point of origin. Despite this, it remains a classic and popular souvenir to purchase during your travels in Panama.

Identifying a Quality Hat

• Material: A genuine hat is made from the fibers of the toquilla palm straw.
• Weave Quality: The fineness and consistency of the weave determine the hat’s quality and price. Look for a high “weave count,” meaning more strands of straw per square inch. To assess the quality, hold the hat up to a light source; the fewer pinpricks of light you see and the more uniform the concentric circles of the weave, the higher the quality.
• Flexibility: A superior-quality hat is supple and can often be carefully rolled up for travel without sustaining damage.

Where to Buy a Genuine Hat

• Recommended: For an authentic toquilla straw hat, visit reputable, dedicated hat shops in Casco Viejo or select high-end boutiques in Panama City where the staff can explain the different grades of quality.
• Use Caution: Be wary of inexpensive imitations commonly sold by street vendors. These are often made of paper, plastic, or other synthetic fibers and lack the durability and breathability of a genuine hat.

Culinary Souvenirs to Take Home

World-Class Panamanian Coffee

• The Star: Look for Geisha coffee, one of the most exclusive and sought-after coffees in the world. It is grown in the volcanic soil of the highlands around Boquete and Volcán and is known for its complex floral and tea-like flavor profile.
• Other Varieties: Beyond Geisha, Panama produces excellent single-origin Arabica beans with rich and diverse flavors.
• Tip: Always buy whole beans to preserve freshness. Look for bags from specific farms or cooperatives in the Chiriquí province for the best quality.

Local Rum and Spirits

• Top Shelf: Ron Abuelo is Panama’s most famous and award-winning rum. Their aged varieties, such as the 7 Años or 12 Años, make for an excellent gift or personal keepsake.
• Other Spirits: For a truly local spirit, try Seco Herrerano. It is the national liquor, a triple-distilled spirit made from sugarcane, often mixed in cocktails.

Before purchasing alcohol, it is wise to check your home country’s duty-free allowance to understand the limits on what you can bring back without incurring additional taxes.

Artisanal Chocolate

• From Bean to Bar: Panama, particularly the Bocas del Toro region, grows high-quality cacao beans that are prized by chocolatiers.
• What to look for: Seek out small-batch, artisanal chocolate bars. Brands like ‘Oro Moreno’ or other craft chocolates found in specialty shops in Casco Viejo offer a true taste of Panamanian cacao.

Where to Shop: From Markets to Boutiques

Artisan Markets

• Mercado Nacional de Artesanías (Panama City): This large, covered market is located near the base of Cerro Ancón. It offers a convenient one-stop shop with a wide variety of crafts from all regions of the country.
• El Valle de Antón Sunday Market: A vibrant weekend market that features local produce and plants alongside a dedicated section for handicrafts. Here you can find items unique to the region.
• Casco Viejo Vendors: Throughout the historic district, particularly along the waterfront promenade and in plazas, you will find Guna women selling their colorful molas and chaquira jewelry directly.

Curated Shops and Galleries

The historic district of Casco Viejo is home to numerous boutiques and galleries. These shops offer carefully curated selections of the finest Panamanian handcrafts, contemporary designer goods, and fine art. While prices here are higher than in the markets, the quality is often vetted and guaranteed, and the shopping experience is typically more relaxed and informative.

Buying Directly from Communities

The Best Experience: If your itinerary includes a visit to an Emberá village or the Guna Yala islands, purchasing crafts there is the most authentic and impactful way to shop.

Benefits: This approach allows you to meet the artisans, learn about the cultural context and meaning behind their work, and ensures that 100% of your payment goes directly to the creator and their community.

Practical Shopping Tips

Bargaining Etiquette

• Where it’s expected: In open-air markets and with street vendors, polite and light-hearted bargaining is generally part of the interaction.
• Where it’s not: Do not attempt to bargain in established boutiques, art galleries, or modern shopping malls where prices are fixed.
• The Golden Rule: Always be respectful. If you choose to bargain, start with a reasonable offer, not an insultingly low one. Remember the immense time and skill invested in each handmade item.

Authenticity and Quality Checks

• Examine the work: Look closely at the details. Check for consistent, fine stitching on molas and tight, even weaves on baskets. Minor imperfections are the hallmark of a handmade item, but this is different