Wounaan Basket Benefit Show July 2007 Album

Michael Smith Gallery and Native Future co-sponsored the 3rd Annual Benefit Show for the Wounaan Indians. Thanks to so many benevolent people in Santa Fe, we had another successful event. The spokesperson of the Tribe and two master weavers were invited to Santa Fe to exchange cultures and to demonstrate weaving techniques.

Wounaan Indians, an indigenous people, have lived in the Darien Rainforest in Panama for generations. They have been facing the challenges of a dissppearing rainforest for two decades. While working hard to preserve their rainforest, and surviving in this modern world, they started weaving artistic baskets for sale. Since then, they have been striving towards a world-class level of basketry.

Native Future , a non-profit organization , helps the Wounaan to fight for the title to the land, and also provides funding for their education.

Michael Smith Gallery, located at Canyon Road in Santa Fe, introduces Wounaan baskets to many visitors who come here for its artistic charm. The gallery donates 25% of the profit to Native Future during the ten-day show and 10% at other times.

Leonide Quiroz, the Tribe's spokesperson, was born in Chepigana, Darien, Panama. He is studying to be a lawyer so that he can negotiate title of the land for his people. He currently lives near Panama City, and has a six-year-old daughter.

Francisca Garcia Gonzalez, a master basket weaver, started weaving utilitarian baskets at age 7. Not until she was 23 years old, did she begin weaving baskets for sale. In particular, she likes to weave black and white, and colorful geometric baskets.

Marcela, a master basket weaver and also a leader of her village, still lives in the rainforest. It took her one and a half days to reach Panama City before she could start the trip to Santa Fe.

Together, we work hard to save a rainforest and a culture.

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