arts

These Interior-style diablito masks were some of the works on display at the recent National Artisans' Fair at the ATLAPA convention center. The diablito tradition has its roots in West African and pre-Columbian Panamanian cultures, which the conquering Catholic culture later incorporated and overlayed with aspects of Christian symbolism. Within Panama there are several regional diablito styles, with those costumes used in the coastal towns of Colon province bearing a striking similarity to West African forms that survived among the Cimarrones, slaves who ran away and founded African-style villages in the Panamanian jungle. In the Interior, indigenous art forms are more prominent in diablito garb. The Artisans' Fair is an annual event, and according to regulars this year's version was better than last year's, which in turn probably reflects a strong tourism sector and an overall rebound in the national economy. Photo courtesy of Lily

Also in this section:
National Artisans' Fair
Sartory string sextet
Jason Gallarraga - Marco Miliani exhitition

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