“Darktrail” — Embera Horse Mask by Erenia Cabrera
Handcrafted in panama
Bold and beautifully defiant, Darktrail captures the pulse of the untamed forest through the eyes of a horse in motion. Handwoven by master Embera artist Erenia Cabrera, this 7" wide by 16" high mask carries the intense graphic weight of ancestral geometry across its sculpted contours.
Cabrera renders the long face in natural black and ivory, letting the rhythm of repeated diamond motifs echo the steady gallop of hooves on earth. The intricate coiling draws the eye inward, until it’s met with a single opening—alive with quiet alertness.
From the finely flared ears to the taut snout, each curve is shaped with care, held in balance by a ragged fringe of dark chunga palm fiber that tosses upward like a mane catching wind. This gesture of wildness is no accident—it animates the piece with movement, a spirit that refuses stillness.
To the Embera, the horse is more than a beast of burden—it is an axis between control and surrender. Darktrail speaks to that paradox, not as decoration, but as declaration: there is dignity in motion, in strength, in the quiet wild.
Details
- Dimensions: 7" W x 16" H
- Origin: Handwoven in Panama
- Artisan: Erenia Cabrera, Embera weaver
- Materials: Chunga palm fiber, natural dyes
- Technique: Coiled basketry with hand-shredded fiber fringe
- Animal Representation: Horse
- Symbolism: Movement, wilderness, intuitive strength
- Uniqueness: One of a kind; entirely handwoven
In the heart of the Darien rainforests in southern Panama, the women of the Emberá tribe craft unique animal masks by hand, weaving them from dyed, split palm leaves in their homes. Traditionally, these masks were used by Emberá shamans—spiritual leaders who connect the physical and spirit worlds—in rituals for healing and cleansing.
During these ceremonies, the masks were displayed on the walls and ceilings of the huts where the rituals took place, and afterward, they were burned. Today, while the masks are still used for ritual purposes, they are also created for commercial sale, with the traditional techniques and craftsmanship preserved.
Handwoven in panama by
Emberá Tribe Craftsmen
No. of Artisansdozens of artists across multiple communities |
OriginRainforests of eastern Panama and northwestern Colombia |
Fairly Made. Community Driven.
Each Embera Animal mask is purchased directly from the artist at fair prices that support families, preserve tradition, and sustain local economies.
Each piece is handwoven over many months using natural fibers and plant-based dyes. To protect its color and structure, we recommend displaying your woven art away from direct sunlight or skylights, as UV exposure can fade dyes and weaken fibers over time.
In very dry climates, you may occasionally mist the inside lightly with distilled or non-chlorinated water—similar to caring for wicker or rattan. Gently blot away any excess with a paper towel to help maintain the fiber’s natural balance.
