The Story of Mask Marielys – A Unique Wounaan Creation from the Panamanian Rainforest

Mask Marielys is a true one-of-a-kind treasure, woven by hand with patience, tradition and soul by a woman from the Wounaan/Embera community in the rainforest of Panama, close to the Colombian border. This extraordinary mask is created from the leaves of the chunga palm, a natural and sustainable material that is harvested in the forest, split with care, dried in the sun and dyed by hand with pigments made from native plants. Every step, from gathering the palm to the final weave, follows ancestral techniques passed down through generations of indigenous women.

What makes this mask so remarkable is its authenticity. The weaving follows the same ancient techniques as masks once used in sacred shamanic rituals. Yet Mask Marielys was created purely as an artistic expression. It has never been used in ceremonies or blessed by a shaman. It comes to you just as it left the hands of the artist: a pure, powerful piece of cultural heritage that carries the spirit of the rainforest.

Each mask tells its own story, inspired by the myths, symbols, animals and spiritual beings of the jungle. The design is never predetermined—every weaver follows her instinct, guided by ancestral knowledge and the natural world around her. No two masks are ever the same. Every detail reflects hours of slow, meditative work, making each creation an intimate expression of both tradition and individuality.

Mask Marielys was woven exclusively for Ethic & Tropic, a project founded by Corinne Bally. Corinne travels by canoe to the remote Wounaan villages, staying with the women, learning their stories and building relationships based on respect and trust. There are no intermediaries: every artist is paid directly and fairly, ensuring that this collaboration is both sustainable and transparent.

By welcoming Mask Marielys into your home, you welcome a story woven by hand, a piece of the rainforest and a celebration of female artistry. More than decoration, it is a connection to nature, tradition and cultural expression. Mask Marielys is a sustainable, soulful and utterly unique addition to your interior.

Curious about the benefits of surrounding yourself with natural materials? Visit our blog for inspiration.

And don’t miss our complete collection of Ethic & Tropic Masks—each one as unique, authentic and powerful as the next.