Furniture

The Panamanian crafts are an expression of the creativity and cultural tradition of the country. That item includes the production of masonry, chairs, tables, banks, closets and other furniture mainly made from wood, wicker and natural fibres worked by Panamanian artisans.

In Panama, these furniture have a useful role to play within their families but also decorative and cultural as they reflect the customs, identity and skills that have been transmitted from generation to generation.

IMPORTANCE

The crafts are important because they preserve traditional carpentry and crafts technologies that are part of the Panamanian cultural heritage. They also represent an artistic expression that combines functionality, design and tradition.

At economic level, this item generates employment and income for many artisan families, especially in communities dedicated to manufacturing typical and sparkling Panamanian furniture. It also promotes tourism and local economy as many visitors buy these pieces as traditional décor or or memories.

Origin and History

The production of artisan furniture in Panama has its origins in the carpentry and fabric techniques introduced during the colonial period, combined with traditional knowledge of local communities.

Over time, artisans developed their own styles using national timber and natural fibres to create resilient and comfortable furniture suitable for the country's tropical climate.

The Panamanian rockers became one of the most representative furniture and are common in the terraces and rooms of traditional Panamanian houses. These pieces are outstanding for their manual production, durability and elegant designs.

Region where it stands out the most

The provinces of Herrera and Los Santos are recognised for the production of traditional Panamanian crafts and milling furniture. In these regions, many family workshops keep alive the tradition of manufacturing handworked wood furniture.

They also highlight areas of Veraguas and Coclé, where artisan production typical furniture using natural and technical materials inherited from their ancestors.