Early Kuna (Guna) Art From Panama: The revelation of a long-hidden collection

See in-person examples and a slideshow presentation by one of the nation’s leading authorities on Early Kuna (Guna) Art from Panama.

Thomas Hannaher has assembled one of the world’s largest collections of early art by the Guna (Kuna) Indians of Panama. With the assistance of 48 Guna contributors he wrote the book Kuna Art Guna Art, the remarkable early creations of a Central American indigenous culture. 

That book sprang from the discovery of one of the world’s largest collections of early Kuna (Guna) art – over 2,500 mola textiles, nuchu figures, staffs, and drawings. It was uncovered following the passing of collector Kit Kapp. Hannaher purchased that collection to expand his own.

Together with the Geoversity Foundation, Hannaher plans to establish a museum and research center for indigenous art in Panama, to which he plans to donate a large part of his collection. The net proceeds from the sale of this book supports the repatriation of indigenous art to Panama by the foundation.

A Q&A and book sale follows.

“Guna Art is a stunningly beautiful book...an enduring resource for anyone seeking to understand the power of a culture deeply rooted in natural wisdom.” – prepublication review by the late Jane Goodall, Ph.D. 

For accommodations such as translations, ASL interpreters, or disability needs, please email library@santafenm.gov or call the Library.