Wounaan and Embera use and management of the fiber palm Astrocaryum standleyanum (Arecaceae) for basketry in eastern Panama

This study examines the use of Astrocaryum standleyanum for basketry by Wou naan and Embera artisans in Panama. Fibers from the palm are a traditional source of material for baskets, which have become commercial art items with in the last fifteen years. Data on palm use were collected over two years, largely from Darien Province. Results indicate that the palm is destructive ly harvested, usually for a single spear leaf. Artisans remove the fibers f rom the pinnae and color them with dye plants. Astrocaryum standleyanum str ands are sewn around a foundation of Carludovica palmata to make coiled bas kets. Wounaan weavers are considered the better artisans, perhaps because o f cultural traditions or a longer history with art vendors. The sale of A. standleyanum baskets is an important source of cash income, with both domes tic and international sales. The destructive harvesting of palms threatens the industry and suggestions are made for sustainable harvest.