Mask Tulé is a one-of-a-kind piece, handmade in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest by a woman from the Wounaan and Embera communities, close to the Colombian border. This expressive mask is crafted from chunga palm, a natural and sustainable material that is harvested by the women themselves. The palm is carefully split, dried and naturally whitened in the sun, then dyed by hand using plant-based dyes made from roots, leaves and bark found in the surrounding jungle. Every step of the process is slow, mindful and deeply connected to nature.
This mask is freely designed by an indigenous artist, using the same traditional techniques and knowledge that are passed down for making shamanic ritual masks. Every curve, pattern and colour choice reflects ancestral wisdom and personal intuition. Mask Tulé has never been used in a ritual and has not been blessed by a shaman, making it suitable as a decorative object while remaining rooted in cultural tradition. It comes directly from the maker to you, without interference, preserving its authenticity and soul.
Mask Tulé was created exclusively for Ethic & Tropic, an ethical initiative built on close, respectful relationships with artisans. Founder Corinne Bally personally travels into the rainforest several times a year, journeying upriver by canoe to reach remote Wounaan and Embera villages. She stays with the craftswomen, listens to their stories and purchases their work directly, without middlemen. This approach ensures fair trade practices and true appreciation for the time, skill and heritage behind each piece.
The designs of these masks are inspired by the world the artists live in every day. Colourful tropical animals, mythical beings and pre-Columbian motifs come together, shaped by ancient beliefs and a deep connection to the natural environment. No two masks are ever the same. Each one reflects the hands, imagination and lived experience of the woman who made it.
Creating a mask like this takes many hours of focused, patient work. It is never rushed. The result is a piece that feels grounded, powerful and quietly magical. Mask Tulé is more than a decorative object. It brings presence, meaning and a strong sense of connection into your home.
Rare, sustainable and rich with story, Mask Tulé invites you to honour indigenous craftsmanship and bring a piece of the rainforest into your interior, curated with care for Mayala Home.
You can read the full, fascinating (hi)story of the masks here.
Have you seen our other Ethic & Tropic Masks?
