Clothing, Shelter and Transportation in Panama :: Panama Culture Region Essays Papers

Clothing, Shelter and Transportation in Panama Panama, a small country located in Central America, is very diversified in both its people and its climate. Considered to be the isthmus connecting South America to North America, Panama has played a key role in global transportation since the creation of the Panama Canal. The canal goes through the midsection of the country connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allowing for much faster sea travel. Because of its location, Panama has been heavily influenced by several countries including Colombia which they were ruled by until 1903 and the United States which played such a large role in the realization of the canal. These foreign influences can easily be found in Panama's cuisine, music, and artwork as well as all the tribes that have settled within the country. The climate of Panama is substantially different on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the country, namely in terms of annual rain fall. So much so that 'on the Caribbean slopes of the Tabasarà ¡ Mountains' average rainfall is approximately twice as heavy as on the leeward Pacific slopes' (www.britannica.com). Furthermore, the Pacific has heavy rainfall almost all year round whereas the Atlantic side has distinct seasons, making it easier for agriculture to flourish. Found in the western provinces of Chiriquà ­, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas and the San Blas Islands, the Kuna tribe is the second largest Indian group in Panama with approximately 35,000 people. While the Kuna speak their own language called ?Tule?, many speak Spanish and English because of the Colombian and US influences. Largely living in the rain forests, the Kuna live in ?traditionally thatched roof huts made from materials readily found in the jungle? (http://public.cwp.net). By using a combination of straw, palm leaves and reeds they use the resources found in their region to make shelter that is suitable for living in such a hot, humid climate. Their clothing, however, differs from other tribes in the country because of their location. Instead of preferring loin cloths like other tribes on the Pacific, rainier side of Panama do, the Kuna women wear ?wrap around skirts and beautifully hand-made blouses known as ?Molas?. The Mola is an intricately sewn picture made from layers of c loth in a reverse appliquà © technique? while the men wear ?traditional Kuna shirts and less traditional pants, jeans, or shorts? (http://public.cwp.net). It?s easier for them to wear more clothing because they don?t have to continuously deal with rain.