Meet Yoli (Lloli) Ginguimia

Wounaan Weaver | Maje, Darién, Panama

Born in 1984 in the rainforest village of Maje, Yoli Ginguimia—also spelled Lloli—is a lifelong Wounaan basket weaver known for her steady, intricate geometric designs. Raised in a large family of nine children, she grew up surrounded by craft, community, and the quiet rhythm of rural life. Today, she and her husband Mamerto are raising four children of their own, continuing the cycle of care and creativity.

Yoli began weaving at age twelve, inspired by the women in her village who used their skills to earn a living. She started, like most, with geometric patterns—and never left them. Her style is defined by tight, even stitching and radiating motifs, often in black and natural tones. While Mamerto gathers the palm—a full-day task through forested terrain—Yoli dyes and prepares every coil herself. Her weaving income helps cover food, household needs, and her daughter’s university education, allowing her baskets to quietly build a future, one stitch at a time.