Ngäbe

The Ngäbe people, indigenous to the western part of Panama and parts of Costa Rica, are a beacon of resilience and cultural richness in the heart of Central America. Over 200,000 strong, their communities primarily reside in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé region and the provinces of Veraguas, Chiriquí, and Bocas del Toro in Panama. In Costa Rica, they inhabit five distinct indigenous reserves.

The Ngäbe people speak Ngöbere, a language that belongs to the Chibchan family, highlighting the longevity and deep roots of their culture in this part of the world. Yet, despite their significant presence, the Ngäbe communities remain somewhat enigmatic, their rich cultural practices and traditions relatively unexplored by the wider world.

Life in these communities offers a unique blend of time-honored traditions and modern influences. Their deep connection with the land, respect for the natural world, and the communal spirit that binds them together are remarkable aspects that define the Ngäbe people's everyday life.

Yet, as with many indigenous cultures, the Ngäbe communities face unique challenges as they strive to preserve their way of life in a rapidly modernizing world. These challenges range from socio-economic issues to the protection of their linguistic heritage, the Ngöbere.

Through these photos, we aim to shed light on the Ngäbe people’s unique culture, their day-to-day lives, their struggles, and their achievements. In subsequent posts, we will delve into aspects of their culture such as their traditional practices, language, craft work, music, folklore, and their interactions with the modern world.

By doing so, we hope to encourage appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that the Ngäbe people contribute to our global heritage. More importantly, we aspire to highlight the importance of their cultural preservation and their deserved recognition as key actors in the region's sociocultural dynamics.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let's step into the world of the Ngäbe people together.