Description
This piece represents Bidika, which translates to ancestral food. It represents an ancient source of nourishment derived from the poison ivy plant. Before the Spanish conquistadors landed, the Emberā-Chamí people used to come together for ceremonies and rituals and feast on traditional dishes made out of poison ivy, beans and other harvested and wild foods. Through weaving the Emberā-Chamí people can reminiscence and capture their ancient traditions and pass them down in time, from generation to generation.
The colors have specific meanings to the Emberā-Chamí. White, chïtör, symbolizes peace, light and purity. Green, parā, symbolizes nature. Blue, pacuarā, symbolizes the skies, water and space.
