“Dusklight Crest” — Embera Hummingbird Mask by Erenia Cabrera
Handcrafted in panama
Bold geometry meets rainforest fire in Dusklight Crest, a vibrant hummingbird mask handwoven by Embera artist Erenia Cabrera. Measuring 6" wide by 18" high, this piece captures the electrifying essence of a hummingbird seen at golden hour—its feathers catching every last shimmer of light.
Cabrera frames the face in ivory and midnight blue quadrants, crisscrossed in deep black, like a map of sacred flight paths. A dramatic arc of dyed fringe in rust, sunburst yellow, and natural fiber radiates from the crown, echoing the bird’s flaring motion as it hovers midair. The cheek is finished with a vivid checkerboard panel in red, yellow, and navy—a brilliant contrast to the mask’s refined symmetry.
In Embera tradition, the hummingbird is a spiritual traveler, known for its speed, agility, and connection to divine nectar. These masks are more than decorative—they’re ceremonial, ancestral, and alive with meaning.
Dusklight Crest is a rare fusion of jungle wisdom, symbolic storytelling, and kinetic beauty—woven to be seen, and to be felt.
Details:
- Dimensions: 6" W x 18" H
- Origin: Handwoven in Panama
- Artisan: Erenia Cabrera, Embera weaver
- Materials: Chunga palm fiber, natural and synthetic dyes, dyed fringe
- Technique: Coiled palm weaving
- Animal Representation: Hummingbird
- Symbolism: Transformation, light, sacred agility
- Uniqueness: One of a kind
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.
