Weaver Lubecia Membache

Wounaan Weaver | Maje, Darién & Panama City, Panama

Lubecia Membache is a master Wounaan basket weaver from the remote village of Maje, nestled in the heart of Panama’s Darién rainforest. She began weaving as a young girl, learning geometric forms first—just as every weaver must—to understand how each tight coil builds into pattern, balance, and form.

Over the past decade, Lubecia has become known for her signature pawprint motif, which she has perfected through years of focused, detailed work. Her baskets are instantly recognizable: the pawprint design rises from a base of overlapping, colorful leaf shapes, with a final row of diamonds encircling the rim in matching hues. Her stitches are fine, clean, and remarkably consistent—earning her recognition from collectors for her rounded forms and intricate, hidden colorwork at the base.

Today, Lubecia splits her time between her family in the rainforest and an artisan stall in Panama City, where she weaves while sharing and selling the work of other weavers from her community. Through her efforts, she’s helped support beginner artists, contributed to her children's education, and remained one of the most industrious and consistent weavers we know—balancing skill, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to her craft.