This one-off Mask Lak is entirely handmade in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest by a woman from the Wounaan and Embera communities, close to the Colombian border. The mask is crafted from chunga palm leaves, a natural and sustainable material that the women harvest themselves. Each palm leaf is carefully split by hand, dried and naturally whitened in the sun, and then coloured using plant-based dyes. The process is slow, respectful and deeply connected to the surrounding jungle, resulting in a piece that feels alive with texture and story.
Mask Lak is a truly unique creation, freely designed by an indigenous artist using the same techniques and intuition as masks made for shamanic rituals. It has never been used in a ceremony and has not been blessed by a shaman, making it suitable as a decorative object while still honouring the cultural traditions behind it. The mask comes directly from the artist to you, without losing its authenticity or meaning along the way.
This mask was created for Ethic & Tropic through a rare and personal collaboration. Corinne Bally, the founder, personally met the craftswomen in their villages and paid them directly, without any intermediaries. She visits the artists several times a year, travelling upriver by canoe to reach these remote Wounaan and Embera communities, and stays with the women in the rainforest. This close relationship ensures fair trade practices, mutual respect and true appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
The designs are inspired by the world the artists live in every day. Colourful animals, mythical beings and pre-Columbian patterns emerge from ancient beliefs and a deep bond with nature. Creating a mask like this takes many long hours of skilled, focused work, guided by tradition rather than trends.
Every Mask Lak is rare and precious, shaped by one pair of hands and a centuries-old way of making. It is more than a decorative object. It is a soulful piece filled with meaning, craftsmanship and quiet magic, ready to bring depth, culture and character into your home at Mayala Home.
You can read the full, fascinating (hi)story of the masks here.
Check out our other Ethic & Tropic Masks as well!
