Nautical Technologies, Traditional Landing Places, and Maritime-Riverine Navigation among the Emberá and Wounaan of Panama

Abstract

This article examines the traditional nautical technologies of the Emberá and Wounaan peoples of eastern Panama based on ethnographic research conducted between 2021 and 2022. It documents the principal types of watercraft, with particular emphasis on dugout canoes, their construction techniques, traditional landing places, and the cultural practices associated with maritime-riverine navigation. The findings demonstrate that Indigenous mobility is sustained by an integrated nautical system in which watercraft, landing infrastructure, environmental knowledge, and social organization operate as interdependent components. This study contributes to the understanding of traditional navigation in Panama and provides a comparative framework for examining the nautical knowledge of other Indigenous peoples across the region.

Dyi Beđea:

Naʌ̃ keduađe bio akʌpanua Ẽberãne idyaba Wounaaneda Panama druađe jãba bemabarãda sawã ãdyi jãba oƀada, maʌ̃ kawađikarẽã bio akʌsidaa dewarãrã akʌđapeda kedua bupeđađa poa õbeabema õãsi 2021-2022. Naʌ̃ akʌ peđađa keduađe bua jãba kĩrãnejumaa bakuru abauđeba opeđađada, sawãã jãba pusa tuƀada, tẽƀabada, sama dyi jãba jũbada idyaba karẽda obada maʌ̃ jãbađeƀa, idyaba ãdya kawabeada ewari paima, do – pusa kirũbeada. Nau nebuwa kawaui panua dyi dewara pururã bea krĩcha kawa eropanura ãdyia sawã beabarida do – pusa jãna beara nau Panamá druađe.