Chocoe-Embera Indian Tribe, Panama (February 2007)

Chocoe-Embera Indian tribe cover page.	Map of Panama with the star indicating the location of the Chocoe-Embera Indians on Alajuela Lake in Chagres National Park.	I had to take a boat on Alajuela Lake to get to the Chocoe-Embera Indian tribe.	Upon arrival, I saw the elevated-bin houses with palm-leaf roofs where the Indians live.
The Chocoe-Embera community live as their ancestors did. They jealously guard their customs.	They live in a protected preserve in the in Chagres National Park. You need special permission to go there.	The Chocoe-Embera Indians originally came from ancient Great Colombia over 300 years ago.	Here are some of the attractive tribeswomen.
A young Indian girl displaying some of the colorful woven crafts that the tribe makes.	Three cute Indian girls strike a pose!	Two Indian boys making music.	Two Chocoe-Embera Indian women in some of their colorful garb.
Two more adorable Chocoe-Embera Indian children.	Chocoe-Embera Indian women hanging out.	A young girl carrying her little brother.	Another photo of the adorable Indian children.
My tour guide smiles as we take a boat to a swimming area in Chagres National Park.	A young Chocoe-Embera Indian boy came along for the ride and sat on the stern of the boat.	Two boats (including mine) at shore at the swimming area.	The water was freezing when getting in, but was really refreshing after a few minutes.
After the swimming expedition, we returned to the Chocoe-Embera Indian tribe.	These Chocoe-Embera Indian men greeted us with a musical performance.	This group of indians were hanging out for the musical performance.	Chocoe-Embera women who were preparing lunch in the big pot in front of them.
They were very friendly, as all the Chocoe-Embera Indians were.	This young Indian served fish in palm leaves. Later, he served fresh fruit. It was delicious and nutritious.	After lunch, I was given a tour of the community.	The Chocoe-Embera Indians are wood carvers and carve precious wood from the Cocobolo tree.
They are also fantastic basket weavers. Often, they spend several days on just one piece.	Their handcrafts are true works of art. I bought a beautiful woven cat mask.	After lunch, the tribe gathered for a dance performance.	At one point, they pulled me and other tourists into the dance procession.
Chocoe-Embera Indians of all ages participated in the dance.	The kids were having the most fun of everyone.	These boys were playing the music for the dance performance.