Colombian Beadwork
The Embera make my favorite favorite, absolute favorite beadwork.
Known in the historical literature as the Chocó or Katío Indians are an indigenous people of Panama and Colombia.
These pieces are all from Colombia.
The Embera people are a river bound culture living in harmony with the river systems. Their beaded breastplates and bras are made from seed beads and metal coin beads. Their beadwork is a reflection of their spiritual journeys and reverence for Mother Nature.
This story however needs a strong dose of reality - thanks to the conflict between FARC and the Colombian government, many of the indigenous Embera in Colombia have been displaced from their native lands. It's a tale of conflict that has pushed them far from their way of life. Looking at one of the girls in the photo I can't but help feel a profound sadness that I feel is mirrored in her very look...