The Story of Mask Tulé – A One-of-a-Kind Treasure from the Rainforest of Panama
Mask Tulé is a powerful and poetic expression of indigenous craftsmanship, handmade in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest by a woman from the Wounaan/Embera community. Crafted from *chunga* palm—harvested, split, sun-whitened and dyed by hand using natural plant-based dyes—this mask is entirely shaped by the hands and spirit of its maker.
Like all authentic Wounaan masks, Mask Tulé is created using the same traditional methods used for shamanic ritual masks. Every twist of fibre, every colour choice, and every curve is infused with ancestral knowledge. And yet, this piece was never blessed or used in ceremony—it is a freely made work of art, rooted in culture, yet destined to bring beauty to your home. From the forest to your hands, without intervention or interference.
The mask was made exclusively for **Ethic & Tropic**, the ethical design initiative founded by Corinne Bally. Corinne personally journeys into the rainforest several times a year, travelling upriver by canoe to meet with the craftswomen in their remote villages. She stays with them, listens to their stories, and purchases their work directly—without any middlemen—ensuring that each artist is paid fairly and respectfully for her time, her skill, and her heritage.
The designs of these masks are entirely original, inspired by the lush biodiversity surrounding the women—tropical animals, mythical figures, and echoes of pre-Columbian art. Their ancient beliefs, shaped by nature and spirit, come to life in forms that are unlike anything else in the world. No two pieces are ever alike. Mask Tulé is truly one of a kind.
Making a mask like this takes many hours of focused, patient work. It is not rushed. It is a slow, sacred process—and the result is something that feels both deeply grounded and strangely otherworldly. A piece like Mask Tulé doesn’t just decorate your home—it brings presence, energy, and connection.
Rare, sustainable, and rich with soul, Mask Tulé invites you to bring a piece of the rainforest into your space—and to honour the women who keep these stories alive, thread by thread.
You can read the full, fascinating (hi)story of the masks here.
Have you seen our other Ethic & Tropic Masks?
