History

back to the Kuna Yala homepage

In the early 1500s the Spanish tried to civilize the Kuna by trying to change their way of life They also used them as slaves for hard labor. Thousands were killed for their gold nose rings, and many died from European diseases However, the Kunas made allies with the British againist the Spanish to win their independence from Spain. As a result, there continues to be hostility toward the Spanish and amicable relations with Panamà. Then, with the help of America in 1925 they became a reserve within the Republic of Panamà. Their population continues to increase ( there is now an estimated 60,000 Kunas), and although they remain somewhat outside the Panamanian society, they are influenced by Western culture. This is largely due to the Columbian trade boats and tourist that visit the islands.

San Blas Islands

Hundres of years ago, the Kuna lived on the mainland of Panamà until a fierce earthquake killed many of them. Out of safety, the tribes moved to the islands of San Blas. The islands are located off the Atlantic coast of Panamá. There are three hundred and eighty islands in all, but only fifty-two are inhabited. Most of the islands are less than a mile in length and formed by coral reef. If more are needed, then they build up more land with rock. Very few tribes still live on the mainland.

Weather

The San Blas Islands are hot and humid with the average temperature in the eighties and nineties. January through May is considered the dry season and May to September are the months with the heaviest rainfall.

Language

The Kuna have their own language called Tule. This dialect is spoken in phrases rather than full sentences like English in grade school, so by the time they leave elementary they are fluent in Spanish. Very few Kunas are able to speak English. Most that do know the language are men that used to work on the Panamà Canal; they learned English from the Americans. When the Panamanians took over the canal in 2000, many Kuna lost their jobs and moved back to the Islands.

Robby leyendo la Biblia.
Hermano de Eliseo