“Verdant Flare” — Embera Hummingbird Mask by Erenia Cabrera
Handcrafted in panama
Sunburst yellow and jungle green ignite in Verdant Flare, a spirited hummingbird mask by Embera artist Erenia Cabrera. Measuring 6" wide by 16" high, this one-of-a-kind piece evokes the dazzling spectacle of a hummingbird mid-flight—darting through shafts of sunlight under the rainforest canopy.
The mask’s face is woven in radiant yellow with a vivid green eye patch, outlined in black and softened by a halo of wild fringe. A mohawk-like arc of dyed fibers—ranging from inky black to electric yellow—animates the crown with the bird’s signature motion: sudden, precise, full of light.
On either cheek, streaks of green, chartreuse, and gold capture the iridescent glint of feathers in motion. Every element is coiled from chunga palm fiber using an ancient technique passed through generations of Embera women. Cabrera’s work honors that legacy while infusing it with a bold, contemporary spirit.
In Embera culture, the hummingbird is more than a bird—it’s a messenger between worlds, an emblem of endurance, grace, and luminous energy. Verdant Flare carries that story forward in color and movement.
Details:
- Dimensions: 6" W x 16" 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: Vitality, clarity, spiritual 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.
